Fox Confirms Abdul's Departure from American Idol

Fox has released a statement this morning confirming the departure of Paula Abdul from American Idol which states: "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."

Paula Abdul wrote on Twitter Tuesday that she will not be back for American Idol's ninth season.

"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," read two tweets posted shortly after 7:30 p.m.

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

Numerous entertainment outlets have been reporting recent high-paying deals for Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest with Abdul and the show's reps unable to reach a deal of their own for her to return to the entertainment powerhouse, which has often been a breeding ground for Broadway talent in recent years.

Paula Abdul is one of the most recognized pop singers and choreographers of our day. Her celebrated work in choreography for television includes Emmy-winning contributions to The Tracey Ullman Show, Paula's own performance on The American Music Awards and her choreography for The Academy Awards, for which she earned an Emmy nomination. Paula's choreography contributions in feature films include the Academy Award-winning American Beauty, working with Cuba Gooding Jr. on his Academy Award-winning performance in Jerry Maguire, and transforming Val Kilmer into Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's The Doors.

Paula's music career encompasses worldwide album sales exceeding 30 million records, two No. 1 albums, six No. 1 singles, a Grammy Award, seven MTV Awards, two Emmy Awards, two People's Choice Awards and two Kids' Choice Awards. She has been honored with a star on Hollywood Boulevard, and was inducted into Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Hall of Fame.

Contestants and viewers alike praise Paula's positive feedback on American Idol. She has even designed good-luck jewelry for the Idols, which provided the inspiration for her Paula Abdul Jewelry Collection on QVC, which opened to record-breaking sales. The collection consists of charms, pendants, earrings and bracelets adorned with meaningful phrases.

Other triumphs include her award-winning work with Janet Jackson, which garnered two MTV Video Awards; and working with such music legends as Aretha Franklin, Heart and Prince.

Paula continues to honor her roots by running dance and cheerleading camps, competitions and scholarship programs throughout the country. She lives in Los Angeles.

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