With its U.S. limited release closing in by days, “Precious: Based on the Novel PUSH by Sapphire” has got a red carpet treatment in Los Angeles. The premiere, held on Sunday, November 1 at Grauman’s Chinese Theater, was a part of the drama movie’s participation at AFI Fest 2009, which runs from October 30 to November 7. Many of the cast members were present for the special screening event. Leading actress Gabourey Sidibe was present along with several of her co-stars, including Mo’Nique who stars as Precious’ mother Mary, Paula Patton who portrays Ms. Rain and Mariah Carey who takes on Mrs. Weiss. All of the last three mentioned actresses came to the premiere in the arms of their husbands. Mo’Nique was accompanied by Sidney Hicks, Paula by her singer/songwriter husband Robin Thicke, and Mariah by her actor/comedian/rapper hubby Nick Cannon. Joining them at the red carpet were director Lee Daniels as well as executive producer Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry. The festivity also managed to draw in a handful of celebrity guests. Mary J. Blige was spotted arriving with husband Kendu Isaacs, while actor Sidney Poitier tagged along his daughter Sydney Poitier. Other celebrities attending the premiere included Paula Abdul, Will Smith and Olivia Wilde. “Precious” is set in Harlem in 1987 and revolves around Claireece “Precious” Jones, an overweight, illiterate sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want. Abused by her mother and raped by her father, she is pregnant for the second time and reaches the ninth grade without being able to read or write. Instead of being swallowed by depression, she tries to break from the chains of ignorance by digging deep into her own resources. November 6 will be the date the movie originally titled “Push: Based on the Novel by Sapphire” opens in limited theaters across the country.

I’ve started reading Push, the book this movie is based on, and I’ve already been gutted by the tale. I can already tell that when I see this movie, and I will be seeing this movie as soon as I possibly can, I will bawl my eyes out. I’m so curious to see how this group of actors — Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey — bring this story to life. I’ve only read amazing things about the film’s star, Gabby Sidibe, so … I think we are in for a revelation when this film opens. Have any of y’all read the book? Are you looking forward to this film’s release? If you are totally unfamiliar with this film, check out the movie trailer HERE. It look amazing. I can’t wait to see it.

[Photo credit: Bauer-Griffin; Source]

As a former cheerleader, it makes sense that Paula would be schooled in the use of a twirling baton but I’m not sure why she needs to carry it with her in public. Perhaps she felt the need to drive away the hordes of fans and paparazzi who were trying to get near her or, oh right, mebbe she’s just crazy. All in all, tho, I have to give it up for her for handing her replacement on American Idol so well. She really shot herself in the foot by playing hardball with AI during negotiations … and now all she’s left with his her spirit stick. At least no one can take her stick away from her.

[Photo credit: INFdaily]

Sources connected to Paula Abdul say Miss Paula wants back on “American Idol.” Our sources say Paula’s Twitter is retracted — at least in her mind – if the price is right. As we first reported, the magic number is $10 million. Will Paula move from that number? The way negotiations go in Hollywood … probably, but we don’t know for sure and if so how much she’s willing to give. We’re also told Paula’s meetings with ABC didn’t really go anywhere. She doesn’t want to do “Dancing with the Stars” — we’re told, in no small part, because she wants to be able to jump on a plane on a moment’s notice to rejoin her fellow judges on “Idol.” And, we’re told, Paula is piiiised at the producers of “Ugly Betty” for leaking the story that she was talking to them about doing the show. She’s not going to do it now. As for “Idol,” as far as we know they’ve been pretty hard-nosed and haven’t contacted her reps, but we’re not positive. In the end, we’re thinking “A.I.” isn’t gonna let a little Twitter torpedo one of its golden geese.

While I don’t believe these negotiations with American Idol are actually a PR stunt, I never really believed that Paula would not be back on American Idol when it returns to live TV next January. My guess is that she prolly felt that AI would do anything to keep her and when she overplayed her hand, they let her go. In order to save face, she attempted to get a new job (or jobs) at ABC and now that that didn’t work out according to plan she’s only got one recourse left — American Idol. I agree with TMZ, I don’t think FOX is gonna let her tweet about leaving the show end their relationship with Paula. They’re gonna work out a deal (prolly not to Paula’s exact satisfaction), kiss, make-up and get back to work. Each party needs the other … I’m pretty confident they’ll work it all out in the end.

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At long last, someone to tell Betty she’s beautiful! Former American Idol judge Paula Abdul is in talks to guest star on Ugly Betty, sources confirm to me exclusively. Details of Abdul’s role are being kept under wraps but an Ugly insider tells me that she’d be playing a new temp at Mode who bonds with Becki Newton’s Amanda. If a deal can be made, this would mark Abdul’s first official post-Idol gig. (Her upcoming appearance on Lifetime’s Drop Dead Diva was brokered before she twittered her resignation.)

I would love to see Paula on Ugly Betty, it would give me a reason to watch the show again. In all honesty, I think this high-profile job shopping is a way to try and force FOX to give in and give Paula her asking price to return to Idol. It is my understanding that quiet behind the scenes negotiations are still taking place between the network and Paula’s people … if Paula gets her $10 million asking price, she will be back. I still think it’ll happen. If she’s savvy enough, she might get both the guest stint AND her Idol job back. We shall see …

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While Paula Abdul won’t be returning to FOX’s American Idol, it seems plenty of other networks are interested in courting her for their reality TV competition shows. So is there a possible spot for Abdul at the judges’ table with Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli–the three judges on Dancing with the Stars? “Absolutely. I would love that,” ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson told reporters at the Television Critics Association summer press tour in Pasadena on Saturday. “I was a little stunned by the decision, and we would love to have her on Dancing.” McPherson added that Abdul could be added either as a participant, dancer or judge. “I think she’s a huge talent,” said McPherson. “There’s a sensitivity and an empathy that balances out Idol, and we’d love to get a piece of that.”

To be honest, there is no show bigger than American Idol on US TV right now … but Dancing with the Stars is up there in popularity. My guess is that, should Paula join the show, she will do so as judge not as competitor. I highly doubt she would risk putting her dancing reputation on the line to compete with the possibility that she might lose. If she joins the show, she’ll do so as judge. Considering that Paula got her start in showbiz as a choreographer, I think a dancing show would be best for her … absent a late night call from FOX begging her to come back to AI, that is. Whatever Paula decides to do, I’ll have her back. She and I go waaaaay back. She will be Forever My Girl.

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The door isn’t completely slammed on Paula Abdul … Multiple “American Idol” insiders are telling TMZ there is a chance Paula will come back to the show. Reality — better than a good chance. We’re told the conflict is ultimately all about money … and buzz leading up to season 9. But for now, “A.I.” is full speed ahead — auditions for the show are set for tomorrow … without Abdul.

Reports going around yesterday claimed that Paula turned down as much as $8 million to return to the show … in my opinion, if the matter really has come down to a final monetary figure, then she prolly will cave and come back to the show. All of this drama over whether or not Paula will come back to American Idol has really given the show a lot of press leading up to the start of season 9 auditions tomorrow. I would bet good money that the opposing sides will come to an agreement and put this whole matter to rest. Despite her refusal to return to the show this week, I still don’t believe she won’t leave the show for good.

[Photo credit: INFdaily; Source]

From Paula: With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to #IDOL … I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent,but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day1become 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.

From People: Abdul — out! Ending speculation about her future on one of the most popular shows on television, Paula Abdul confirmed Tuesday she will no longer be at the judge’s table on American Idol … No reason was given for her departure just two days before she was to return to work. Abdul’s rep declined to comment except to confirm she was leaving. The highly rated show is about to begin taping segments for its ninth season, with auditions starting Thursday in Denver. The show returns on the air in January. “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,” FOX TV says in a statement. “While Paula will not be continuing with us, she’s a tremendous talent and we wish her the best.” The announcement comes shortly after her manager angrily said there was no contract on the table and that “sadly” it didn’t appear she would be returning. Her previous contract ended after the eighth season. Her departure now returns the number of judges to three, with Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson joined by Kara DioGuardi, who was just confirmed to be returning.

This is absolutely infuriating. I KNEW from the moment that AI thought it best to add a fourth judge, another female judge, that the time was running out for Paula Abdul on American Idol. I find it extremely difficult to believe that Paula just decided to quit this high profile job. There has to be more to the story. To be honest, I don’t watch the show … but when I did, I tuned in for Paula Abdul. She is a shining light of hope, optimism and joy on that wretched show. While Simon Cowell is tearing people down and Randy Jackson is saying Yo Dawg, yo dawg, yo dawg, Paula was cheering every contestant to victory. This development is a huge disappointment.

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Since Friday’s news, first reported here on the Idoltracker, of judge Paula Abdul’s unhappiness with the pace, or nonpace, of negotiations to renew her “Idol” contract, a brushfire has been sweeping the Web. Using the hashtag #keeppaula, fans have been wildly tweeting on Twitter their support for the seemingly embattled judge. For a time Saturday evening, the “Keep Paula” movement made it to the No. 2 slot (see left) on Twitter’s much-contested trending topics list — falling behind only people twittering their support for Indonesia in the aftermath of this week’s terror attacks. And it wasn’t just “Idol” fans showing their support. From across Idol Nation and the Idols Live tour bus itself, former cast members were chiming in with their support.

There’s been a lot of “scary” talk that Paula would NOT be returning to the show … even her manager says that it is “unlikely” that she will return … but TMZ is reporting that she’s just playing hardball (and reportedly asking for about $20 million) and, in the end, will prolly return to the show … tho, whether or not she gets her payday is another story:

Paula Abdul is pissed off that Ryan Seacrest is a very rich man, our “American Idol” spies say. Abdul isn’t angry at Ryan personally for his new $45 million, 3-year deal, but she’s bent out of shape at producers that she’s making minimum “Idol” wage — we’re told between $2 and $3 mil a year. Our spies say producers want Paula back for sure, but she’s now doing the Hollywood thing of pretending like she’ll walk. Here’s the fun part. Auditions for the next season start on August 6. We’re told there are already plans to start the auditions without her if they don’t have a deal. As for what Paula wants — we’re told somewhere between 2 and 3 times what she’s making now. Here’s our guess — $4.5 a year … a lot better than the $5,000 a week she pulled in for season one.

I agree with TMZ, I think Paula will be back … she’ll get more money but nowhere near the $20 million mark. That show makes way too much money for producers to eff it all up by pissing off Paula Abdul’s fanbase. I have to say, even tho all of this public negotiating is going on and the real threat exists that she may lose her job … I bet Paula is LOVING all the love from the fans. Hang in there girl, you’ll keep your job. I’m sure of it :)

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Judge Paula Abdul has certainly been spreading her wings beyond her day job this season. A couple weeks back the American Idol jurist reminded audiences of her dance background staging an the acclaimed coreography to Disco Week’s group number. Today she announced a return to recording, with the impending release of a new single and album. According to her press release: “Multi-platinum recording artist and American Idol judge Paula Abdul will release a new single “Here For The Music,” available in May. The single reunites Paula with producer Oliver Lieber who helmed the chart topping album Forever Your Girl. “I’m Just Here For The Music” was co-written by Danielle Brisebois and Wayne Rodrigues and is the first track from Paula’s upcoming album due out in Fall 2009 on Filament Entertainment Group. The single will be available via paulaabdul.com in the next few weeks. Paula’s extraordinary music career is exemplified by worldwide album sales exceeding 53 million records, two multi-platinum albums, six #1 singles, two Grammy Awards, five MTV Awards, four American Music Awards, two Emmy Awards, two People’s Choice Awards, a Teen Choice Award and two Kid’s Choice Awards. Paula has also been honored with a star on Hollywood Boulevard and was inducted into Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice Hall of Fame.”

Click HERE to hear Paula’s new single Here for the Music in full. While I am thrilled that she has teamed up with Oliver Lieber (who helped make her original pop career, IMHO) I think she needs to lay off the vocorder. Madonna beat that horse TO DEATH already, there is no need to sound like a robot anymore … just sing. The song reminds me a bit of her last new song (All I Wanna Do Is) Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow which is good but I’m hoping her new album will be full of DIFFERENT sounding songs. I loved it when she went all R&B funky weird on her second album Spellbound (helmed by the amazing songwriters Peter Lord, Sandra St. Victor and V. Jeffrey Smith) … I hope she will, once again, take a risk and offers some interesting songs. I have long prayed for Paula Abdul to release new music again … it’s been far too long. Paula Abdul rulz, y’all! Let’s see if she’s still got it. What do you think of this new track?

UPDATE: Pink reader Jon reminded me that Kylie Minogue demoed this track, titled (I’m Just) Here for the Music, for her Body Language album. Kylie’s voice is NOT digitally altered on her version of the track. I think I prefer Kylie’s version over Paula’s but, still, it is great to have Paula back.

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Head on over to PaulaAbdul.com to hear a short snippet of the track, which was also previewed on Paula’s MTV cheerleader competition show Rah! which aired on MTV yesterday. Click HERE to hear one of Kylie’s remixed versions of the track. Kylie’s Boombox is released in OZ this week and will be released here in the US on the 27th … Paula’s won’t come until the summer. While I am very excited that Paula is about to release a new album, I’m not really sure why she needs to release songs that have already been recorded and released by other more successful artists … or mebbe I just answered my own question.

[Source, thanks Bat]