Paula Abdul Quits Idol on Twitter

Paula Abdul’s Idol journey is officially over, with the longtime reality judge announcing her termination from the show on her Twitter feed.

Abdul, who has been with American Idol since its creation, said that she had made the decision to leave, but would miss the show terrribly and was grateful for all the love and support she had received over the years.

“With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to ‘Idol,’” her Tweet read. “I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent,but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from Day 1 become an international phenomenon… What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me… It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month… I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all.”

Although Abdul hadn’t made it official with the show’s producers, a joint statement from Fox, FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment – the brawn behind Idol – confirmed that the former performing artist would not be returning the for the show’s ninth cycle.

The statement read: “Paula Abdul has been an important part of the ‘American Idol’ family over the last eight seasons, and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show. While Paula will not be continuing with us, she’s a tremendous talent and we wish her the best.”

Apparently, Abdul was demanding $20 million to stick with the reality show. She rejected an offer of a 30 % pay increase, which would have seen the onetime singer pocket an eight-figure sum in a multiyear deal.

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Summit Entertainment Fires Back at Lefevre’s Claims

Summit Entertainment, the studio responsible for the Twilight movie franchise, has hit back at Rachelle Lefevre’s claims that she was unfairly treated when she was dumped from the series, saying that it was “disappointed” she had decided to discuss her recasting publicly.

Lefevre released a statement on Wednesday, and said she was “stunned” and “saddened” that the studio had replaced her with actress Bryce Dallas Howard in the third Twilight film, Eclipse, due to a conflicting work schedule.

The actress, who was set to reprise her role as the evil vampire Victoria in the saga’s third installment later this year, had signed on to shoot the Dustin Hoffman independent film, Barney’s Version, but had no idea she would be sacked by Summit “over a 10-day overlap.”

However, Summit Entertainment has a different take on exactly how the recasting went down, and said in a statement yesterday:

“We at Summit Entertainment are disappointed by Rachelle Lefevre’s recent comments, which attempt to make her career choices the fault of the studio. Her decision to discuss her version of the scheduling challenges publicly has forced the studio to set the record straight and correct the facts.

“Ms. Lefevre’s representatives were advised as early as April that The Twilight Saga: Eclipse was expected to start shooting in early August.

“If Ms. Lefevre was, as she describes, ‘passionate’ about being part of the Twilight saga, we feel that she and her representatives would have included us in her decision to work on another film that would conflict with the shooting schedule of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

“It was not until July 20th that Summit was first informed of Ms. Lefevre’s commitment to Barney’s Version, a commitment we have since been advised she accepted in early June. Summit had acted in good faith that she would be available to fulfill her obligations both in terms of rehearsals and shooting availability for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. We feel that her choice to withhold her scheduling conflict information from us can be viewed as a lack of cooperative spirit which affected the entire production.

“Furthermore, Ms. Lefevre took a role in the other film that places her in Europe during the required rehearsal time, and at least 10 days of [Eclipse]’s principal photography. This period is essential for both rehearsal time with the cast and for filming at key locations that are only available during the initial part of production.

The statement concluded: “Contrary to Ms. Lefevre’s statement, it is simply untrue that the studio dismissed her over a 10-day overlap. It is not about a 10-day overlap, but instead about the fact that The Twilight Saga: Eclipse is an ensemble production that has to accommodate the schedules of numerous actors while respecting the established creative vision of the filmmaker and most importantly the story.”

The second installment in the series, New Moon, is slated for release in November.

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No Public Viewing, Says Jackson Family

There will be no private viewing of Michael Jackson at Neverland Ranch, despite news reports that suggest otherwise.

The Jackson family has just released a statement, through their newly acquired reps, which states there will be no such service performed his former residence.

“Contrary to previous news reports, the Jackson family is officially stating that there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland.

“Plans are underway regarding a public memorial for Michael Jackson, and we will announce those plans shortly.”

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Jackson Family Issues Statement to Fans

The Jackson family has issued a statement to fans of their late son, conveyed by father Joe Jackson. Their personal statement reads:

In one of the darkest moments of our lives we find it hard to find the words appropriate to this sudden tragedy we all had to encounter. Our beloved son, brother and father of three children has gone so unexpectedly, in such a tragic way and much too soon. It leaves us, his family, speechless and devastated to a point, where communication with the outside world seems almost impossible at times.

We miss Michael endlessly, our pain cannot be described in words. But Michael would not want us to give up now. So we want to thank all of his faithful supporters and loyal fans worldwide, you – who Michael loved so much. Please do not despair, because Michael will continue to live on in each and every one of you. Continue to spread his message, because that is what he would want you to do. Carry on, so his legacy will live forever.

In addition, Joseph Jackson wishes to personally convey: “My grandchildren are deeply moved by all the love and support you have shown for them and their father, Michael Jackson.”

Joseph Jackson and Family.

Jackson, who was on the verge of starting another comeback tour, died last week of suspected heart failure. His family remains together in seclusion as they await the results of Jackson’s autopsy, which is likely to be some weeks away.

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