“American Idol” is apparently returning to a three judge panel. The catch? The three judge panel includes Kara DioGuardi, who joined the show for its eighth season and recently confirmed her return to the show.
Leaving instead is original judge Paula Abdul, who confirmed the news in a Twitter statement Tuesday.
“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 day1become 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,” wrote Abdul in several Twitter updates.
FOX, FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment also confirmed her departure in a statement:
“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.”
The possibility of Abdul not returning to “American Idol” was first raised in the wake of news that host Ryan Seacrest signed a lucrative deal to continue on the show. Abdul’s manager publicly expressed frustration over her failure to receive a return offer, and though it appeared to be a negotiating tactic, he said, “Very sadly, it does not appear that she’s going to be back on ‘Idol.’”
In a report on Abdul’s departure, THR says that Abdul reportedly rejected an offer to return. The latest word from that outlet is that Abdul was looking for an offer in the $20 million ballpark; she rejected a 30% raise from 19 Entertainment that would have brought her an eight-figure deal (presumably in the low teens).
