NEWSPaula Abdul Announces She's Leaving American Idol
Aug. 5 2009, Published 10:24 a.m. ET
UPDATE: Fox has just released the following statement regarding Paula's departure: "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."
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After weeks spent discussing Paula Abdul's future on American Idol, it appears the judge and Fox appear have been unable to reach an agreement -- the veteran performer announced via her Twitter tonight that she'll be leaving the show, just as auditions are set to start Aug. 6.
Her multiple tweets read, in whole: "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 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."
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No other official statement has been made yet.
A report published a few weeks ago started the scramble, with Paula's manager revealing at that time, “Very sadly, it does not appear that she’s going to be back on Idol. I find it under these circumstances particularly unusual; I think unnecessarily hurtful… I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that they haven’t stepped up and said what they want to do.”
