American Idol Producer Gets Multimillion Dollar New Deal - Paula Abdul Still Waiting
July 24 2009, Published 9:10 a.m. ET
There's another new mega-million dollar contract at American Idol - and it doesn't have Paula Abdul's name on it.
Ken Warwick who has been American Idol's executive producer and showrunner since the show began in 2000 has signed a new three-year deal to stay on the job. The amount of the contract was not made public but sources told RadarOnline.com that it is in the same ball park as host Ryan Seacrest's new $45 million three-year deal.
Simon Cowell has another year to go on his contract but has already begun renegotiations. Randy Jackson is inked through 2011. New judge Kara DioGuardi came on with just a one-year deal last season and her status going forward has yet to be announced.
The elephant in the room is Paula Abdul, whose contract expires just before the August 6 production start on season 9. Abdul has a new manager who has slammed his client's Idol bosses as "disrespectful" for not yet finalizing a new contract with the singer/choreographer.
RadarOnline.com exclusively reported that Paula is looking for $20 million a season and had been offered only half of that.
It is assumed that a new deal will be struck with Abdul, a well-placed source told RadarOnline.com but with the clock ticking down and tempers raging, it could be at the very last minute.
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
