Paula, Paula, Paula

Me and Jon: A conversation
It occurred to me that Jon, having actually known Paula Abdul personally,
might be able to provide some insight into her,
after her somewhat surprising decision to leave American Idol.

Me: I wondered what your thoughts were on the whole Paula leaving thing.

Jon: Ummmmm, I think it's sad to see her leave. She may have been terrible to the English language, but she was fun to listen to... and by far the sweetest of all the judges. I remember when we made it to the top 32 she gave all of us a little bracelet and again when we made it to the top 12... a necklace. It had an inspirational quote on it.

She may have a been a wreck at times, but she was very sincere and always looking out for the contestant.

Me: That's really nice to hear. I think it's that side of the judges that the people at large don't often see.

Jon: Totally. She was always the one who was most concerned about helping me be better... and all of the contestants. I remember during the Hollywood week she hung around long after she needed to, giving advice to those of us who stayed within earshot.

Me: Did you have interaction with her beyond the feedback she gave on air?

Jon: Not tons of interaction time, but more than the others, for sure. She made herself more available than the others.

And there you have it, folks. Straight from the horse's mouth.