Paula Abdul

American Idol just got a lot saner, and a lot less entertaining.

Following weeks of rumors about her departure and public contract negotiating, Paula Abdul has confirmed her exit from the top-rated show on television.

"With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to Idol," Abdul wrote on her Twitter page last night. "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.

"What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me. I do, without any doubt, have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all."

The show is now left with a trio of judges for season nine: Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi, who signed a new deal last week.

In response to Abdul's farewell, Fox released the following statement:

"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."

Will you miss Paula Abdul on American Idol?

Paula Abdul's manager says his client has not been offered a contract to return to American Idol.

Simon Cowell says he definitely wants his fellow judge and occasional flirt to come back next season.

What do past Idol contestants say about the possibility of Abdul's absence from the show?

We couldn't get a hold of Adam Lambert because he's on the road touring, but Jordin Sparks was fully on Paula's side in an interview with Extra this week:

“Oh my gosh, they need to keep Paula,” the season six champion said. “It would be so different without her on the show... She was the one who usually came back and was like, ‘Are you guys doing okay? Are you fine?’ And I definitely think they need her. She’s amazing and deserves it.”

Despite Jordin's kind words, Abdul might still be replaced on the show.

If that happens, who do you think should take her spot?

Might season nine of American Idol be the sanest season yet of the nation's top-rated show?

According to David Sonenberg, the manager of Paula Abdul, his client has not receive a contract offer to return to the series.

"Very sadly, it does not appear that she's going to be back on Idol," told The Los Angeles Times. "I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that [American Idol production companies Fremantle and 19 Entertainment] haven't stepped up and said what they want to do."

Would you watch American Idol without Paula Abdul?

Sonenberg says Abdul would "love to be on the show," but is yet to receive any word about her status.

"She's not a happy camper as a result of what's going on. She's hurt. She's angry," Sonenberg said. "I think at this point we're going to be considering everything, including some kind of a competition show. She has tremendous ideas for a whole variety of shows."

Last week, Ryan Seacrest agreed to a three-year, $45 million deal to continue as host of American Idol; while Randy Jackson is signed through 2011 and Kara DioGuardi has expressed interest in returning.

Simon Cowell's contract runs through next year, as negotiations continue to keep him around for many more seasons.

Who would have thought that Ladies' Home Journal would resort to tabloid-like rumors one expects from The National Enquirer?

A few days ago, an article in that publication certainly implied that Paula Abdul had a painkiller addiction that was treated at rehab. But the American Idol judge now says that story was blown out of proportion.

Way, way, way out of proportion.

"I want to make it perfectly clear to everyone that I have never been addicted to or abused drugs in my life," Abdul said in a statement yesterday. "I have never been drunk. I have never entered a rehab or detox treatment center."

But what about her time at La Costa Resort? Turns out, that was nothing more than a relaxing vacation.

"I spent time hiking, bicycling, doing yoga and enjoying the spa. As anyone who has visited the La Costa Resort knows, it is a luxury hotel, not a rehab facility."

There you have it, folks. Forget drugs or alcohol. Abdul is simply crazy on her own.

A few hours prior to tonight's performance show (visit our site in the morning for a detailed recap!), a pair of American Idol judges are in the news.

First, Simon Cowell appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He touched on the following topics:

• Kara DioGuardi will return next season as a judge;

• Ryan Seacrest has lost popularity because he enters the stage on a staircase: “It made him appear more pompous, obnoxious, taking himself a bit seriously,” Cowell said. “You don’t give yourself that type of entrance.”

• Adam Lambert is brave: “I like the fact he’s fearless. He’s not playing it safe. A lot of the people that take part in these shows want to sing ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ every week because it’s a sappy song. He’s got guts.”

Meanwhile, in a more serious admission, Paula Abdul has finally opened up about her painkiller addiction.

In the latest issue of Ladies Home Journal, the singer says she was diagnosed with "reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome," in 2005. It's a a chronic neurological disorder that causes severe pain, often leading to teeth-chattering and shingles-like lesions for Abdul.

If you thought this ridiculous, colorful $3,000 jacket by Alexander McQueen were only usable if you were playing a Circus ring leader in concert, think again!

Britney Spears rocked it in NYC; while Paula Abdul, guesting on the Late Show With David Letterman in the same city, chose the same look. Does it work?

Who wore it best, the conservatorship-battling, midriff-baring singer or the American Idol judge? Tell us what you think in our little informal survey below ...

This jacket totally looks better on ...

Welcome, celebrity gossip fans, to The Hollywood Gossip Caption Contest, a Friday tradition, now in its 67th week. How does one play the Caption Contest?

This week's contest - featuring an American Idol that needs no introduction - was won by Alan Hochbaum. Congratulations! Thanks to all for playing this week!

What's the matter Simon? Not Randy?

Paula Abdul is well aware of her place in history.

No, we aren't referring to her status as the Craziest Reality Show Judge of All-Time.

Instead, the American Idol star says a couple current pop icons have her to thank for their success.

"My videos stand the test of time. They are like the almanac for every performer," Abdul said in a recent interview. "Even Rhianna has come up to me and said 'I hope you don't mind.' And Beyonce. You can see the influence of what I've done. It's really fun to see that I've left a mark. It was my idea to create an animated character. It takes a lot of focus, a lot time, and a lot of money."

Fact: Paula Abdul is certifiably insane.

Possible fact: Paula Abdul has had a nose job an an eye lift.

Study the before-and-after shots of this American Idol judge below and chime in:

Has she undergone plastic surgery?

During a Sirius XM radio interview with Barbara Walters last night, American Idol judge Paula Abdul opened up about Paula Goodspeed, the troubled fan that committed suicide outside Abdul's home a few weeks ago.

Abdul said she begged producers not to let Goodspeed audition for Season 5 of the competition; however, she was overruled by those that though the aspiring singer would be entertaining.

Paula Abdul has frightening memories of Paula Goodspeed.

"She had been writing disturbing letters for 17 years, almost 18 years," Abdul said, adding that she "had restraining orders at times" against Goodspeed and that she was "shaking" the day her biggest fan auditioned for the show.

From that point on, Abdul received naked photos of Goodspeed in the mail, along with letters that threatened her with "bodily harm."

"She said the only way I will serve her purpose is when I'm up in heaven being her guardian angel," Abdul said.