KING SIMON COWELL DEFENDS PAULA ABDUL

Paula Abdul

Music King Simon Cowell is adamant that Paula Abdul will stay on as a judge on the hit television show "American Idol". Simon has told the bosses he wants her contract to be renewed once again. Paula's future on the TV talent contest was thrown into chaos this weekend when her manager, David Sonenberg, told the Los Angeles Times that "it does not appear" that she will be returning in 2010's "Idol." Discussions had come to a standstill between Abdul and the television executives as she hopes to return to her spot alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi. New gossip reports are claiming the reason behind Abdul's not signing for the show is because she is demanding $20 million -- $10 million more than the bosses are willing to offer her. But music mogul Cowell has eased the minds of Abdul's supporters, who have since launched an online campaign on Twitter.com to keep her on the show, insisting there's no need to worry. He says, "She'll be fine. She'll be on the show. I don't get a lot of say. I've just made it clear that I want Paula on the show." Ryan Seacrest also spoke in Paula's defence on Twitter yesterday, saying, "I connected with Paula Abdul today ... love you. PA. Can't imagine doing Idol without you!"
Photos By: Sara De Boer/Retna