Paula Abdul Leaving 'American Idol'

August 4, 2009 | American Idol
After eight successful seasons on American Idol, Paula Abdul announced she will not be returning as a judge this fall.

After eight successful seasons on "American Idol," Paula Abdul announced she will not be returning as a judge this fall.

Abdul turned to her Twitter account to make the news public, writing, "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 day1 become an international phenomenon."

The Grammy winner added, "What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me."

Fans of Abdul and "Idol" showed their support for Paula when she announced she had not yet been offered a contract to renew her spot as a judge. She said, "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."

Fox, FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment issued a joint statement on Tuesday: "Paula Abdul has been an important part of the 'American Idol' family over the last eight seasons and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show. While Paula will not be continuing with us, she's a tremendous talent and we wish her the best."

Fellow judge Randy Jackson is shocked and he tells "Extra," "I can't believe it... It looks to be true."

On Wednesday morning, Ryan Seacrest said on his radio show that Abdul's announcement "stunned" him and her departure is "really sad" and he "loves her to death."

comments

i just cant believe that she is leaving she is a big part of the show she is the only one that puts up with simon and r secreatlly in love with each other
i wish they where togethere.she needs to come back please they r such a good cuple!!!!!

cel
December 13, 2009

Paula who??? Oh, the one who never has an opinion? Who relates how someone sings with how “cute” they look? And she wants MORE money to have No opinion? Simon is loved and hated because one thing is for certain: He’s smart enough to have and share an opinion AND he happens to be RIGHT most of the time! Paula who?????

Louise
August 7, 2009

SAD !!
i will be with paula on this one , and will not watch idol !!
the only reason i used to watch was for her anyway !!
good loke idol with annoying kara and who else you guys bring to the show !!

valerie
August 6, 2009

Good riddance and take that other girl with you. Both are awful! She won’t go anywhere who else would pay Paula anything!!!

Anonymous
August 6, 2009

Let’s hope Paula does not leave and that Kara goes. My family and I could barely get through her comments like “I don’t know who you are” and without having a thought of her own, well, we won’t be watching AI any longer. I love Simon, but just can’t bear to listen to her! Paula don’t leave!

Annette
August 5, 2009

This is just CRAZY!!! I will NOT watch Idol without Paula. They should get rid of Kara - Simon needs to clean up this mess or loose a lot of viewers. I do not think Paula is being greedy as some have posted, but being a smart business woman to know her worth and demand it. If Ryan can get a HUGE salary as host, the judges deserve just as much or more for the work they do to guide the contestants to become a success.

Jen
August 5, 2009

KEEP PAULA IF NOT YOUR MAKING A BAD MOVE

jonathan
August 5, 2009

When you having a winning formula you don’t go messing with it. I am not a Kara fan-she lacks the likeable factor- and I just cannot sit through a show without Paula to soften the atmosphere. I have turned off show after show that messes with the chemistry of the performers. It just wasn’t the show I loved anymore. Here we go again. Fox you should have shoved Kara and given Paula her salary-greed or no greed it was a winning formula.

Linda F. Heinemann
August 5, 2009

This makes me really mad!!! Paula has been on idol since day i..she is the sweetest person ..probably too nice! seacrest 45mill cowell 100 mill..goodness knows what kara and Randy make! I will not watch idol without Paula..she does not deserve this treatment ..this is nothing but discimination..the show has made billions..totally disgusted.

LINDA JOHNSON
August 5, 2009

I can hardly believe that Paula would turn down 10 million plus. It is reported that she wanted 20 million. The offer of 10 million plus was a 30 percent increase in salary. That is fantastic especially in this economy. GREED!!!

Sally
August 5, 2009

This is not happening!!! I can’t believe Fox is just letting her walk. They should be doing everything in their power to make sure she stays. Kara was fine as a fourth judge, but she is no substitute for Paula. Paula is an essential part of Idol. Kara won’t encourage the contestants, won’t flirt with Simon, and won’t be the heart and soul of Idol that Paula was. Kara is a refugee from that failed Idol knockoff The One, and she carries the unfortunate spirit of that show over to Idol. If Fox thinks she is a shot in the arm, they have no idea what the show needs and the viewers want.

Barnsinger
August 5, 2009

idol is going to stink without paula!!

jeny
August 5, 2009
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