Keep Paula: a grass-roots rebellion sweeps the Twitterverse
Since Friday's news, first reported here on the Idoltracker, of judge Paula Abdul's unhappiness with the pace, or nonpace, of negotiations to renew her "Idol" contract, a brushfire has been sweeping the Web. Using the hashtag #keeppaula, fans have been wildly tweeting on Twitter their support for the seemingly embattled judge.
For a time Saturday evening, the "Keep Paula" movement made it to the No. 2 slot (see left) on Twitter's much-contested trending topics list -- falling behind only people twittering their support for Indonesia in the aftermath of this week's terror attacks.
And it wasn't just "Idol" fans showing their support. From across Idol Nation and the Idols Live tour bus itself, former cast members were chiming in with their support.
See after the jump for some examples and judge Abdul's own balcony address to her supporters -- Twitter-style.
A sample of a typical minute and a half of Keep Paula tweets:
From the Idol live tour, Matt Giraud, Anoop Desai and Danny Gokey all gave nods to the Keep Paula movement on Twitter:
From former Idols come these reactions. From Season Six champion Jordin Sparks:
And from Season Seven's Syesha Mercado:
However, one former Idol contestant had a different perspective on the fracas:
And from one who should know, some soothing words to the mob. This from former Idol showrunner/current So You Think You Can Dance creator-overlord Nigel Lythgoe:
And finally from the woman at the center of the storm herself. Don't cry for her Idol Nation!
-- Richard Rushfield
Paula is loved by americans. Get her contract to her.
Posted by: BetJ | July 19, 2009 at 05:26 PM
PETITION To Keep Paula Abdul on Idol !!!
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/keeppaulaonidol/
Attention All Paula Abdul Fans:
Please go to the above Petition site to urge the owners of the American Idol show to RENEW Paula's contract!
You can SIGN this petition and voice your thoughts on this issue by EMAILING these corporations at the following email addresses:
fremantlemedia@uk.ogilvypr.com
reception@19.co.uk
Posted by: Sam | July 19, 2009 at 07:35 PM
i hope FOX keeps Paula. ive been one of millions who are tweeting #KeepPaula. Idol is her home. and it seems many many people want her back. thanks for the update!
Posted by: andrea | July 19, 2009 at 09:14 PM
i say get rid of paula and the entire show, it's lame lame. we need realistic programs that have meaning and a positive influence on children. there is not one person on that panel that is worth more than $10.00 per hour.............she's miffed because her male counterpart just signed a huge contract which isnt fair because he is just as worthless.
Posted by: OhioPI | July 20, 2009 at 05:31 AM
keep paula, get rid of the other "what's her name?" yea that one! paula helped make the show, what it is!
Posted by: j.griffis | July 20, 2009 at 09:33 AM
I LOVE Paula!! She's half the show!! (and says more than, "DAWG"!!) For show to remain - MUST keep original 3 - and get rid of boring chick they added. Can't even remember her name! (get a clue)!
Posted by: Kimmerj | July 20, 2009 at 11:25 PM
KEEP PAULA!!!!! AI will not be the same without her. I am going to boycott the show as many people will. KEEP PAULA!!!!!
Posted by: Kathy | August 04, 2009 at 10:01 PM