Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Paula Abdul told The Associated Press on Monday that she’s optimistic about remaining on American Idol as a judge.

Speculation about who will and won’t be judging on Idol in future seasons has been running rampant all year.

As soon as Kara DioGuardi joined the cast of judges, rumors began circulating that she was being groomed to replace Paula.

After all, Paula’s contract expired at the end of season eight. The Associated Press caught up with her in Atlanta, where she was backstage during filming of a new television show, “Drop Dead Diva.”

The show debuts July 12 on Lifetime and has something to do with a self-centered model who dies, only to have her soul sent back to earth to reside in the body of someone else.

According to one report I read, Paula guest stars on an episode. As a judge. The type who wears a robe, not the type who passes judgment on undiscovered performers.

Anyway, here’s a link to the AP story about Paula’s hopeful return to Idol.

My recommendation to Idol: Go back to the three-judge format. But dump Kara, not Paula.

Meanwhile, congrats to Kara, who apparently spent the July 4 weekend getting married.

Chime in: Who do you think Idol should have as judges in season nine and beyond? Provide your comments below.