HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Paula Abdul is finished with "American Idol."
After months of speculation about her future on the show, the 47-year-old Abdul has announced that she is quitting the hit Fox singing competition.
"With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to Idol," she Tweeted late Tuesday. "I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day one become an international phenomenon."
While Abdul didn't disclose what led her to quit, she did thank her loyal followers for their support.
"What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me," she said. "I do, without any doubt, have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all."
Abdul's annoucement comes one day after fellow "Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi signed on for a second season.
With Abdul leaving, the series will once again return to a three-judge panel that also includes Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.
"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 said in a statement. "While Paula will not be continuing with us, she's a tremendous talent and we wish her the best."
"I am shocked and saddened about Paula," Tweeted "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest, who said he "cant' imagine" a judge's panel without Abdul.
Abdul's departure comes after broken negotations first became public last month. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Abdul's manager, David Sonenberg, said he had yet to receive a proposal from either side despite the reality show's new season looming in January.
"Very sadly, it does not appear that she's going to be back on 'Idol,' " said Sonenberg, who began managing Abdul in June. "I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that they haven't stepped up and said what they want to do."
"She's not a happy camper as a result of what's going on," he added. "She's hurt. She's angry."
As for what's next for Abdul, Sonenberg said the pop star had plenty of ideas up her sleeve.
"I think at this point we're going to be considering everything, including some kind of a competition show," he said of her future plans. "She has tremendous ideas for a whole variety of shows."
Auditions for the upcoming ninth season of "Idol" will begin tomorrow.
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