After last year’s purchase of a larger table and an additional chair and plastic cup to accommodate Kara DioGuardi, the producers of American Idol apparently have no intention of seeing them go to waste in the wake of Paula Abdul’s presumed departure. At TCA today, Fox entertainment chairman Peter Rice announced plans to permanently hire a fourth Idol judge, rather than make do with just three again: “Between now and January we will come up with a replacement for Paula. There’s obviously going to be a different dynamic next year.†Also, when asked about the possibility of Abdul’s return, he said, “Our understanding is we’ve concluded the negotiation.†Presumably, what Fox is saying here is that Paula is welcome back, but they’re not upping their offer.
Fox plans to replace Abdul, have guest judges [Live Feed/HR]