Paula Abdul Finally Speaks Out

For years on American Idol, Paula Abdul stood and cried over pretty much any performance.

A few weeks ago, though, the wacky singer had to "stand on my principle" when it came to an offer she considered to be unfair. As a result, she bid farewell to the show that resurrected her career.

In her first interview since the much-balleyhooed departured, Abdul opened up to TV Guide Magazine about the "amazing experience" of American Idol, as well as where she goes from here...

On Idol memories: I feel like I have been such a big, huge part of the success of the show from day one. I loved being able to be the artist's artist; being there from my point of view of knowing what it feels like to be vulnerable and to be out there wanting to achieve the most magical moment in a minute and thirty seconds. To be able to do that was an amazing experience and the show was wonderful for me in that regard.

On watching future seasons: Of course I will. I'll watch it as much as I can. I had some really unforgettable moments that hit plateaus for me and I'm very blessed to have been a part of what made television history.

On ever returning to the show: That's a hard question to answer right now. I mean, I don't think I can answer that right now.

On why she left: I stand on principle where many people stand on money. I'm a hard-working artist. I've lasted in this business for 23 years. And you can't do that unless you are good at what you do. I believe in myself and you have to have your own self respect. And sometimes decisions are very difficult to make, but I've always believed that at the core I'm a survivor. There's not one thing I've done that I've really set my mind to that I've failed at.

On what she'll do next: I definitely want to do a talk show because it would be different... I'm an actress. And it's time I started getting out there and doing it.