If a tree falls in the forest . . .

I must admit that one of my guilty pleasures in life is "American Idol" (one can't spend every moment of every day saving the world from liberalism), so this story caught my eye.  It seems that Judge Paula Abdul's feelings have been hurt and she may not return the the show for its ninth season.  The show has re-signed Ryan Seacrest to a multimillion dollar deal and is in negotiations with Abdul's fellow-judge Simon Cowell on what will certainly be an even bigger deal but has yet to approach Abdul's team about a new contract.

But would anyone (ANYONE) care if Paula Abdul left the show?  Probably not.  Frankly, with the addition of a fourth judge last season, there was one too many anyway.  And, except for comic relief (laughing at - not with - her) has she ever made a relevant, insightful, or entertaining comment?  No, the best thing that Paula Abdul provides viewers of "American Idol" is time to talk about Randy Jackson's comments before Simon Cowell speaks.

So Abdul and her new manager had better not go all-in on this "respect" angle because if an "American Idol" judge (other than Cowell) quit, would anyone notice?