Paula Abdul Finally Speaks Out on Leaving ‘Idol’

by Tracy Phillips
Sep 1st, 2009 | 11:16 AM | Comments 58

In her first interview since announcing her plans to leave ‘American Idol,’ Paula Abdul tells TV Guide what was behind her surprising decision.

It was a matter of respect.

“I stand on principle where many people stand on money. I’m a hard-working artist. I’ve lasted in this business for 23 years. And you can’t do that unless you are good at what you do. I believe in myself and you have to have your own self respect. And sometimes decisions are very difficult to make, but I’ve always believed that at the core I’m a survivor.”

While Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest are scoring big paydays, Abdul apparently thought the offer she received from Fox left something to be desired.

Whether or not there are any hard feelings, Abdul says “of course” she’ll still watch ‘Idol,’ a piece of “television history” she’s proud to have been a part of.

“I’ll watch it as much as I can,” Abdul says. “I had some really unforgettable moments that hit plateaus for me and I’m very blessed to have been a part of what made television history.”

Abdul does, however, dance around the regrets question. “You know, to say ‘no regrets’ isn’t easy. I feel like I have been such a big, huge part of the success of the show from day one.”

Her manager has been chatty in the press, but we haven’t heard from Paula herself until now.

There has been much talk about what her next career move will be, and Abdul reveals talking is exactly what she wants to do.