After reading a bunch of these responses I want to apologize for my initial flip answer on the thread.
I don't know if Paula has a problem with pain killers, I just posited that as the most likely culprit based on my interaction with her and watching the show. That's why I included that my diagnosis was non-clinical. I've had friends who have developed drug addictions to pain killers (I was well on my way to one myself) and found a lot of similarities between her behavior and theirs. A LOT of similarities.
That said, I appreciate NJ & JustAsking pointing out exactly how fucked up she is from damage to her body. I knew that, but discounted it, and I feel like a bit of a schmuck because I sustained a back injury in the past few years that left me FUCKED UP, and mine wasn't even CLOSE to being as severe as hers. I'm also an insomniac and I wouldn't wish that hell upon anyone.
I still don't rule out that she's got pain-killer issues... but I also wouldn't blame her.
As to Paula's contribution to Idol... look, the show wouldn't work without her, or someone just like her. Simon is the judge that offers the cold hard truth of the music industry. I very rarely find Simon's comments - good or bad - to be off base, and I have a lot of experience in this arena. What Paula offers is an equally important role as cheerleader, because we all have bad days, and if all we got afterward was Simon's perspective we'd likely be crushed. Paula reminds the talented folks that they're there for a reason. And for the untalented, she opens up her feedback by telling them how good they look. The fact is the people on that stage, regardless of what experience they have in the music industry, are incredibly unprepared. Paula serves a valuable purpose to them, and by extension to the people who watch the show.
Randy is the most useless of the bunch because he's the moderate between two extremes. But also, by nature an essential part of the mix, because in the event of Simon/Paula split, whichever side he agrees with is usually right.
Anyway... just wanted to offer a more reasoned response.