Just found out that Paula Abdul has decided not to return to American Idol. As much as America will miss her, those I feel the most for are the future contestants of American Idol. Ms. Paula was a constant source of encouragement. She was the one voice on the judge panel that understood what it was like to pour your very soul into a performance, only to have it scrutinized before millions of people. She judged with a tender heart, and I for one really appreciated that! She saw star potential in everyone. Future contestants will certainly miss out.
As busy of a schedule as she had, Ms. Paula took time every week to visit with us, bringing gifts from her jewelry line with messages imprinted on them that were meant to encourage us on during that crazy time. If there were children visiting the American Idol studio, she wanted to meet them, take pictures with them, and give them each a gift of their own. She's a very special kind of person.
Thanks for 8 great seasons, Ms. Paula. We will miss you.