“I find it under these circumstances particularly unusual; I think unnecessarily hurtful” – Paula Abdul’s manager David Sonenberg

According to her manager, American Idol judge Paula Abdul has yet to receive a contract for season nine, which begins taping auditions in three weeks. David Sonenberg told the LA Times that he finds this “particularly unusual” and “unnecessarily hurtful.”

Even before the show added a second woman judge, songwriter Kara DioGuardi, rumors began that Abdul may be leaving, or asked to leave, the show.

Abdul’s glowing, often incoherent critiques have been mocked in the press and on late night. Abdul’s discussed chronic pain and a dependence on pain killers in interviews.

I think people forget, this is Paula freakin Abdul. She actual was a pop star! Her perspective is needed on that panel much more than the perspective of say, a songwriter.

She’s had a rough go for a few years but, Paula did help launch the Idol brand. Let’s not forget that prior to the first season the names Ryan Seacrest, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell meant absolutely nothing to most Americans. And Kara, well, no one knew her name before last season.

Idol without Paula – not a good look.