Paula Abdul Will Not Return To American Idol

Paula Abdul twits her departure from American Idol.

The 47-year old television personality has been a regular judge for eight years on the hit reality singing competition, alongside Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, and newcomer judge Kara DioGuardi who joined the show last season.


On her twitter account, Paula Abdul writes in 5 updates that say:

"With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to #IDOL. I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day 1 become an international phenomenon. What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me. It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month. I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all."

Paula Abdul had her initial period of success in the late 1980s to early 1990s from being a cheerleader of NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, to being a sought-after music video choreographer, to becoming a Pop-R&B singer. She won a Grammy award for "Best Music Video - Short Form" for "Opposites Attract." She also received the "Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography" twice.

Paula Abdul suffered professional and personal setbacks later, including her two failed marriages and substance abuse allegations. She found renewed fame and success after joining the American Idol in 2002.

Throughout the seasons of American Idol, Paula Abdul has always been known for her "erratic behavior" that includes slurred monologues and swaying in her chair during interviews - a behavior that the Idol judge has blamed on a medical condition called RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.)

On the other hand, it's this "weird" behavior of Paula Abdul that the American Idol fans have come to accept and love. And now that the singer-choreographer is talking about peacing out from the show, some believe that the show will never be the same again. One blogger reacts, "Damn! Will this show even be worth watching anymore? No more vicodin-induced comas, or slurred monologues. So boring."

Paula Abdul's departure from American Idol has steamed out from not yet receiving any contract offer to return to the series. Both Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson have already made deals while Kara DioGuardi has also expressed interest in returning. Ryan Seacrest has also signed a contract to continue as host of the show.

Paula Abdul's manager once commented on her contract status with the reality show to The Los Angeles Times: "Very sadly, it does not appear that she's going to be back on Idol. I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that (American Idol production companies Fremantle and 19 Entertainment) haven't stepped up and said what they want to do."

Amidst Paula Abdul's twittering and goodbye-American Idol drama, no official announcement from the American Idol production companies has been made yet.

Is Ryan Seacrest The Richest Reality TV Host?

Who could have thought that hosting a reality TV show would command a rate as high $45 million for just three years?


Ryan Seacrest has made the biggest deal in reality TV history as he signed $45 million contract extension with CKX, parent producer of American Idol's 19 Entertainment.

Under the contract, the 34-year old "momma's boy" will be exclusively working with CKX as host of the top-rating TV singing competition American Idol and for any CKX-produced show - for three years.

Aside from the whooping paycheck, Ryan Seacrest was also given freedom to develop new projects with CKX, under his Ryan Seacrest Productions.

The lucrative deal will triple the host's $5 million-a-season salary.

"I'm truly appreciative of being part of a show that has had such an enormous impact on popular culture across all ages. I look forward to expanding the relationship with Simon Fuller (Idol mastermind) and Bob Sillerman (CKX Chairman), who share the same visionary approach to entertainment media that I strive for with every project," says the very excited Ryan Seacrest.

Meanwhile the CKX Chairman believes that the host rightfully deserves the $15 million per year salary:

"Ryan is an essential ingredient to American Idol's success, and I am so happy that we will continue our relationship beyond 'Idol' into the future. Ryan is without doubt one of American television's most talented stars."

Kris Allen Wins American Idol

Arkansas devout Christian and college student Kris Allen, 23, was named as the new "American Idol" in the Wednesday finale of the most popular U.S. television show.


Dubbed as the "Dark Horse," Kris Allen won the reality-singing competition with his acoustic music and all-American good looks over the falsetto singing style and daring wardrobe of 27-year old musical theatre actor Adam Lambert.

"It feels good, but Adam deserves this. I don't even know what to feel right now, this is crazy... I felt shocked almost every week that I made it. To be the American Idol, I'm completely shocked," said the uhmmm, shocked Kris Allen.

Famous for his off-the-charts vocal range, dazzling contestant Adam Lambert (whom the judges called Glambert) just shrugged his shoulder in defeat and said, "For me it's not really about what happened tonight, it's about tomorrow."

Aside from the excitement between Kris Allen and Adam Lambert's performances, another highlight of the star-studded American Idol finale was the singing duel between Kara DioGuardi and former Idol hopeful Katrina Darrell aka Bikini Girl. In the last part of their face-off, the new American Idol judge ripped off her dress to reveal a bikini!


The American Idol finale was, after all, the moment of truth not only for Kris Allen and Adam Lambert but for everyone who wants the world to know that they can sing... and they have "something" to show.