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It was a union that seemed doom to fail from its whacky, possibly drug-induced beginning.

Still, the relationship between Paula Abdul and American Idol lasted for eight successful seasons. Where did it all go wrong? Why won’t she be returning to the show next season?

Sources told The New York Times that Abdul earned $2 million last year. For season nine, she wanted a raise… of 500%!

After the judge asked for $20 million per year, producers countered with a multi-year deal worth more than $10 million. Feeling slighted by the monster contract Ryan Seacrest signed last month, along with the addition of Kara DioGuardi, Paula walked away.

On his radio show today, Seacrest said:

“She has her reasons for doing it, and if she didn’t feel like she was getting what she needed, then I understand that.”

Do you? Will you miss Abdul on American Idol?