Abdul: "I'm Off!"

The gushing pocket rocket quits American Idol…

Wednesday, August 5, 2009 - 11:24

The 1980s singer-turned Simon Cowell sidekick announced her departure on her Twitter page:

"With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to Idol," she said

In her Idol Twit-chat, Abdul went on to suggest that the reason for her exit had something to do with her contract negotiations – in which she reportedly wanted a pay-rise from the estimated $2million she earned last year.

"I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being part of a show that I helped from day one become an international phenomenon,” tweeted Paul modestly.

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

"It truly has been breathtaking."

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest tweeted that he was "shocked and saddened” about the Opposites Attract singer leaving.

"Idol and the cast have grown with each other over the last eight seasons,” he tweets.

“I can't imagine the panel without Paula. She's a star and a great friend."

Paula’s decision to quit comes a day after Fox announced that Kara DioGuardi would remain on the judging panel for a second season, along with Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.

Paula Abdul

Abdul: "I'm Off!"

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