By now you’ve all heard the news…Marissa brought it to you first thing this morning…Paula has been booted from the American Idol judges panel.  Okay, okay, so maybe “booted” isn’t the correct word, but it sort of feels that way, doesn’t it?  I’m depressed.  Yeah, she definitely brought the crazy…but at least it made the show interesting.  No matter what, Paula always brought something interesting to the show…weird (and inappropriately short) dresses, in-your-face-I’m-here-to-plug-my-personal-brand jewelry, her 1990s choreography skills, a strange compassion/soft spot for the nuttiest contestants…and more.  She also inspired me.  She inspired me never to become addicted to prescription medications.  (I mean who didn’t notice her frequently incoherent commentary and often glassy-eyed, drugged-out look?)  But when it was time for a decision on her future, I think what it really came down to was Paula’s inability to clap.  I mean seriously…when you get paid millions to “judge” a show where your opinion has absolutely zero significance on the outcome, it’s fairly critical that you be a good clapper…no, a STELLAR clapper.  Paula can’t clap.  You know what I’m talking about…that weird, fragile, I’m-only-using-my-palms clap she has.  It’s like her wrist is perpetually broken.  (And don’t give me that carpal tunnel nonsense.)  I think that’s the answer.  So Kara, take note.  Clap like a normal person.  Don’t stand up and dance, definitely DON’T overuse the word “artistry”, and maybe they’ll keep you around for a few seasons. PS – Seacrest, stop lying.  No one believes that you were “shocked” about this news as you claimed on Twitter.