The Latest on Paula and a New Fourth Judge...

So here’s the latest roundup of Paula/fourth host news…

Last week, the “New York Times” ran a story about what happened during Paula’s negotiations. The story says she felt devalued by people at the show and that she was upset they didn’t defend her more against allegations of drug/alcohol abuse. Also according to the report, there are those at “Idol” who are fed up with Paula and wanted her gone.

You can read the whole sordid story here.

Meanwhile, Perez Hilton reported on his blog, that his sources tell him Paula will be back on the show…

There was a lot of buzz that Paula was going to end up as a judge on “Dancing With the Stars” after she met with ABC President Steve McPherson. But according to TMZ, Paula and Carrie Ann Inaba don’t get along, so that was squashed. And the “Dancing” cast was announced Monday without Paula’s name on it...

Paula was also in talks to guest star on “Ugly Betty,” but those talks apparently fell apart…

For her part this week, Paula has been tweeting vague inspirational quotes about new opportunities…

Meanwhile, Victoria Beckham extended her stint in the fourth judge chair to another city even though her appearance on the show was supposed to be a one shot deal. This has led to speculation that “Idol” guru Simon Fuller (who created the Spice Girls) is trying to get her in the chair permanently.

This has also led to another protest song from my hero Michael Slezak at EW.com. You can see that here. I don’t know that I completely agree with Slezak since she was so adorable as a judge on “Project Runway.” But maybe that’s because she knows more about fashion than she does singing…

Mary J. Blige is filling the fourth chair in Atlanta this week and People.com reported that Shania Twain may fill it next…

There was also a report yesterday that Joe Simpson was trying to get his daughter, Jessica, into Paula’s chair permanently. I think we can all agree that would definitely keep the ditzy factor going…

You know there will be MUCH more on this, so stay tuned…