Take note, American Idol: This is how you replace Paula Abdul.
Ugly Betty has tapped 3rd Rock Emmy winner Kristen Johnston to replace Abdul in the now-recurring role of Helen, Mode’s newest office temp and Amanda’s elder doppelganger. Abdul had been in negotiations to play the part, but last week the deal came undone — in part, I hear, due to the ex-Idol judge’s insane list of demands. (Two words: Private. Jet.)
“I’ve always considered myself a poor man’s Paula Abdul,” Johnston says with a laugh. She describes her Betty character as “Amanda in 10 years. She’s still trying to get into the right clubs, wearing tight dresses… tragic. I think [Helen] sees herself as Samantha from Sex and the City. Except, of course, she’s a temp.”
Johnston will first appear in the second half of Betty’s two-hour premiere on Oct. 9.
Thoughts? Did Betty trade up by hiring Johnston? (Hint: The answer is yes.) Sound off below! (Additional reporting by Tanner Stransky)
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yes, i think she makes more sense than paula ever did on this show.
Du-uh ! Ummmm, I like Abdul as a person, but as an actress….. notsomuch.
LOVE THIS NEWS! Even though she was only on for 1 episode I loved her on Sex and the City and religiously watch 3rd Rock one of the best shows in my mind EVER!
Johnston is the perfect fit for the role. It was meant to be. very excited to see her w/ Newton, I’m sure the scenes will be priceless.
This is a definite trade up. I like Paula but I think we are now seeing who caused the breakdown of negotiations with American Idol.
Need more proof that Paula is nuts… sheesh…
I Kristen Johnston! I will still not what the show but always nice to hear from the great Kristen Johnston!
Paula can’t act.
Is it me or does it seem that Paula isn’t really THAT popular and/or well liked outside of IDOL? She was off my radar for so long until Idol and I think she’s cute as a button….but I keep reading gossips about how the backstage crew didn’t like her…too divaish.
Not that I was excited to see it or anything but I’m assuming this means the american AbFab is a no go since she was supposed to be cast as Patsy
I hope the remake of AbFab is a no go! It was bound to suck. No one can remake Edina and Patsy.
Kristen Johnston is comedy gold! She was perfect on “3rd Rock from the Sun” as Sally! This casting news makes me excited to watch “Ugly Betty” in the Fall!
Totally! Kristen is going to fit in SOOOOOO well with this role…..they couldn’t have picked a better person!!
I guess they know she’ll be a great fit for the role, especially since she played it five years ago on Sex and the City. Sort of lame, but Johnston is a great actress and I won’t begrudge a girl for taking a role, especially on a show like Ugly Betty.
Johnston is going to be great opposite Becki Newton. Really stellar.
I stopped watching Ugly Betty last year. Couldn’t take Betty anymore. Now I’m definitely going to check it out again.
this is the best bit of entertainment news in days! much better idea, she suits Betty much more, but what happened her ‘AbFab’ remake, was it not picked up? is there still life in it?
I actually saw the pilot for AbFab. I thought it was really funny, Johnston rocked it. The other lady wasn’t as good. But it was still better than most of the crap on TV.
Love Kristen Johnston. Hope this gig goes full time. She’s great. Paula can’t act. And she wanted a private jet? wtf? Pills have went to Paula’s head and her ego is getting a bit inflated from all the post Idol attention. She should stick to selling jewelry and or getting back to singing.
i think paula abdul overestimates her popularity. did anyone see her reality show? she’s not very likable.
This is the dumbest story i have ever heard!!! Paula ALWAYS flies with regular airlines! Private jet?! when she went from city to city on idol she always flew regular flighs!
BS! Paula is not a diva. She doesnt even fly with private jet on American Idol. She flies regular
This is great news!! I love Kristen Johnston! She is so talented and funny. Good move, Ugly Betty. I can’t wait!
Much better casting choice. I love her and she makes more sense as an older Amanda and can actually act. But what happened to the AbFab show she was supposed to be headlining?
you should have left paula in the role! at least she has class.
Since when did Paula have class???Doesn’t she realize she’s done…her idiotic moves on Idol etc.
Totally traded up. This might even convince me to start watching Ugly Betty again!
I’m thrilled that Paula “negotiated” herself out of another gig.
Does anyone really believe that if she ends up back on Idol her fans will feel the same about her? They will see her for the demanding Diva she is.
I always liked her, but what she brings to Idol is hardly worth anywhere near what Simon or Ryan get.
Sorry, Paula. Shouldn’t have overplayed your hand.
This is FANTASTIC news! I love Kristen! I actually used to work with her two years ago. She’s a doll.
Oh her.
Yeah she’s funny.
I liked her in Bride Wars.
Look, I have heard some pretty ridicolous Paula rumors in my days, but this takes the cake! as if Paula would have demanded a private jet! I think you are confusing her with Simon! Im a fan of Paula and she always flies with the regular airlines, she is constantly spotted on normal airports by people on twitter etc. so this is BS!!!
Great news! I love Kristen.
Paula always thought she was something se wasn’t her ego is far too big. To quote her she should be treated like the special gift she is LMAO oh please she is a self involved pompus ass who is full of herself. She only lasted on Idol for so long because evryone liked to laugh at her drug induced antics. Once people had tired of her she was too stupid to realize she was NOT in demand but was in fact obsolete. She should have been smart & just went away quietly then maybe she could have kept a little dignity instead she let her big ego get out of control & has now become a laughingstock LMAO serves her right the crazy B*TCH
Definitely a trade up. Paula is not only a bad actress but she looks like she’s high as a kite at all times. She can deny drug abuse all she wants but no one is buying it. I can’t believe how full of herself she is thinking she can make outrageous demands. I love Kristen Johnston and I would much rather see her on Ugly Betty than Paula Abdul any day.
For me this is not good news. I don’t watch Ugly Betty, but this change means the chance that Paula comes back to Idol has increased, which would be a horrible result.