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Last week, I said that I fully supported the change in focus during the "American Idol" audition episodes. Now I am seriously reconsidering that opinion as we endured another week of boring shows.

In fact, the only thing even remotely exciting to come out of the "Idol" world this week was a column by a veteran "Idol" writer that exposed the secrets of "Idol" auditions. I am seriously starting to worry that "Pants on the Ground" may have been the highlight of the season.

So what is going on here? I'm finally getting what I wanted. We're seeing less of the singers that make me cringe and meeting more of the people we might actually see in Hollywood. But for some reason I just can't get excited about the season. Is the talent not as strong? Are the stories not as touching? Have I just outgrown the whole thing?

Those were all questions I asked myself as I stared at a blank computer screen trying to figure out what to say this week. Finally, I came to one conclusion. I miss Paula Abdul.

I know there are people out there who were happy to see Paula go. But I am certainly not one of them. Yes, I know she didn't always make sense. But that was part of what made her so entertaining. That goofy factor has been missing from these audition episodes and the guest judges have certainly not been filling the bill. Victoria Beckham, who I believe was auditioning to fill Abdul's slot, was blah and Kristin Chenoweth, who I had hoped would bring something special, was almost pointless. Mary J. Blige provided some laughs but did not contribute very much to the panel. And Shania Twain was as boring as could be.

All the guest judges have taken everything so seriously, which has added to the slow start to the season. Abdul would have given some kind of spark to these auditions whether it be a silly laugh, a nonsensical comment or one of her classic arguments with Simon Cowell.

I truly believe that "Idol" made a huge mistake not trying to get Abdul back. The show could have met her salary demands by letting Kara DioGuardi go -- something that should have been done anyway. I believe that DioGuardi is one of today's best songwriters, but I don't think she has been good for the show. And I am concerned that will be even more evident when Ellen DeGeneres joins the panel next month. I worry that DioGuardi will feel the need to get into a one-liner competition with DeGeneres that will end up taking the focus from where it really belongs -- the contestants.

There are rumors circulating on the Internet that Abdul will resurface next year as a judge on Cowell's new show, "The X Factor," and I certainly hope that's the case. Someone like Abdul should not stay off TV too long. Plus, how could Cowell possibly resist re-teaming with his favorite sparring partner?

This week, the auditions roll on with guest judges Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, Joe Jonas and Neil Patrick Harris. If there's anyone who can rescue us from these audition doldrums, it's NPH, but since he has to split his episode with Jonas, I'm not sure he'll get much of a chance.

Is it too early to ask for a "Pants on the Ground" encore?

Angela Henderson is an "American Idol" fan who writes the Idol Chit-Chat blog on www.herald-dispatch.com.

The Herald-Dispatch

Paula Abdul, shown sitting on Simon Cowell's lap during "American Idol' auditions in Jacksonville, Fla., in a previous season of the show.

The Herald-Dispatch

Avril Lavigne

The Herald-Dispatch

Nick Jonas

The Herald-Dispatch

Neil Patrick Harris