‘American Idol’ Champ Jordin Sparks Says, ‘Keep Paula Abdul!’

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Without Abdul, competing on the show would be ‘a lot more stressful,’ Sparks says.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Jim Cantiello

Jordin Sparks

Photo: MTV News

With Paula Abdul’s fate on “American Idol” still uncertain, sixth-season winner Jordin Sparks is hoping that someone at the show comes to their senses and decides to keep the judge around.

“I don’t know the inside scoop or anything, but I heard [Abdul's contract might not be renewed] and I was like, ‘Keep Paula!’ ” Sparks told MTV News while promoting her new album, Battlefield. “I don’t even care what’s going on, but she’s one of the original judges.”

She noted that Paula helped her and the other contestants during their time on the show, giving advice based on her own experience in the spotlight and acting as sort of the “mom judge.” “Knowing all the stress and what you deal with mentally, Paula was always the one to soften the blow,” she explained. “If she’s not there, I think, for the contestants, it will be a lot more stressful than usual.”

Sparks was quick to point out that, in addition to being very supportive of the contestants, Abdul is a big draw for “Idol” fans, some of whom wouldn’t watch the show if she weren’t on it.

“She’s so sweet, and a lot of people tune in to watch to see what she’s going to say and how’s she’s going to act and what she’s wearing,” she said. “I actually think the public should vote for Paula to stay. She’s just so great! Fingers crossed!”

Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page, where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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