Paula Abdul announced on her official Twitter profile last night that she will NOT be returning to the ratings hit reality series American Idol after WEEKS of public speculation about the terms of her contract with the show . In a string of announcement tweets last night, Paula broke the news that she is parting ways with the show … presumably after she and FOX (the network that produces the show) could not come to terms on her contract. FOX, for their part, released a statement wishing her “well” and squarely place the blame of her departure from the show on her shoulders. HMMM … there is something rotten, methinks, in the state of Denmark. Here are all of Paula‘s tweets and the story about the whole sorry mess:

From Paula: 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.

From People: Abdul — out! Ending speculation about her future on one of the most popular shows on television, Paula Abdul confirmed Tuesday she will no longer be at the judge’s table on American Idol … No reason was given for her departure just two days before she was to return to work. Abdul’s rep declined to comment except to confirm she was leaving. The highly rated show is about to begin taping segments for its ninth season, with auditions starting Thursday in Denver. The show returns on the air in January. “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,” FOX TV says in a statement. “While Paula will not be continuing with us, she’s a tremendous talent and we wish her the best.” The announcement comes shortly after her manager angrily said there was no contract on the table and that “sadly” it didn’t appear she would be returning. Her previous contract ended after the eighth season. Her departure now returns the number of judges to three, with Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson joined by Kara DioGuardi, who was just confirmed to be returning.

This is absolutely infuriating. I KNEW from the moment that AI thought it best to add a fourth judge, another female judge, that the time was running out for Paula Abdul on American Idol. I find it extremely difficult to believe that Paula just decided to quit this high profile job. There has to be more to the story. To be honest, I don’t watch the show … but when I did, I tuned in for Paula Abdul. She is a shining light of hope, optimism and joy on that wretched show. While Simon Cowell is tearing people down and Randy Jackson is saying Yo Dawg, yo dawg, yo dawg, Paula was cheering every contestant to victory. This development is a huge disappointment.

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