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Did Paula Abdul make a historic mistake -- or did 'American Idol'?

Wednesday August 5, 2009 4:35 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

Photo credit: AP Photo

Adam Lambert may have just rocked DC on the "American Idol" summer tour, but all anyone's talking about is Paula Abdul's shocking Tweet that she's quitting TV's #1 show.

I hope Paula's just putting the squeeze on Fox, playing hardball in contract talks with taping for next season starting Friday in Denver.

Because's Paula's vital to "Idol." As I've written before, if Simon's the head of "Idol" with his no-nonsense comments, Paula's the heart with her love for the kids.

And she's definitely getting a raw deal -- Simon made $36 million this year and is reportedly being offered $45 million; Ryan somehow cut a deal to start making $15 million per year (Randy's contract is up next season).

So by Fox's own math, Paula -- the 2nd-best "player" on the team -- should be making at least $20 million -- anything less than 3rd-best (or 4th-best) Ryan is an insult.

After all, "Idol" behind Simon-Paula is about to make television history: It's been the #1 rated show for five consecutive seasons, and as this Wikipedia entry illustrates, is about to break a tie with "All in the Family" for most seasons on top.

As best as some coworkers and I can tell, the star of the current #1 TV show has never left. (The closest we could find was Lisa Bonet leaving "The Cosby Show" in 1987; but Denise was no Paula... more a Kara type).*

Fox executives -- who have proven their stupidity by randomly messing with "Idol" over the years -- would have to be dumber than anyone else in TV history to risk this golden goose.

I don't know, maybe they are.

-Click here to see photos of Paula Abdul all glammed-up on "American Idol"

-Until we get the commenting system on our new blog fixed, click here to send me an email directly with your opinion on Paula Abdul leaving/being forced off "American Idol" (and if you know of any other stars that left a TV show when it was #1).

The comments we've gotten so far:

-Caroline: I am a 70 year old psychology Ph.D. student who loves Paula. I think she is psychologically sound and is needed by the show for the show to be viable.

-Mercando: Kara is no Paula and the show is doomed with 3 judges Kara,  Simon and Randy.  It will stink.

-Darrin: Seriously dumb move.  I'm going to start a boycott American idol blog. Paula's a major piece of the puzzle.

-Lynda: Please keep Paula. There is no show with out her. She is the angel for the show. The helps make things better. I will not watch it withour her. I do not like the new judge....Please get her back.......

-Londa: You guys are idiots. The fake “replacement chick” can’t even write a decent song. What are you thinking? Fire the bad song writer and give paula her money.

-Red: 1. Paula Abdul's salary not reflecting her value to the show is blatant evidence that women are still not being compensated on par with men in similar jobs. 2. McLean Stevenson (Col. Henry Blake) left M.A.S.H. while it was still a top hit show.

-Ex-viewer Fran: Big mistake, really huge mistake, she is the show and it’s nothing but a guy thing one more time. First of all getting paid that kind a money to basically do nothing is outrageous but “it is what it is." Secondly why should Ryan and Simon get paid that much more money than Paula. Good for her i hope she stands her ground shes worth as much as the other judges is worth if not more. I have American idol night will a few of my friends every season. I will not be watching this year!!! Gee i thought woman and men are entitled to Equal pay what a concept!

-Jon: I dont know what the real deal is. But I'm guessing Paula was forced out. That's their choice I guess. I dont think Kara was a good choice for the show. Her opinion always seemed to be whatever the person ahead of hers was. I think the show will now start to lose some of its audience and commercial value.

-Julie: I seriously doubt I will watch again this season.  Kara and Randy make me ill.

* Other stars who left shows near the top: Farrah Fawcett left "Charlie's Angels," Suzanne Somers left "Three's Company," Kirstie Alley/Shelley Long left "Cheers," Shannen Doherty left "90210," David Caruso left "NYPD Blue," George Cloonery left "ER."

AP photo of Paula Abdul backstage following American Idol's finale in Los Angeles, June 5, 2009.

Tags: Paula Abdul , American Idol , Simon Cowell , Adam Lambert , Randy Jackson , Ryan Seacrest