It's official: Paula Abdul, the occasionally loopy judge who spent eight seasons lauding "American Idol" contestants even as fellow judge Simon Cowell tore them apart, won't be back in January for season nine. And to hear the show - and Abdul - tell it, it's her call. Here's the statement from FOX, FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment:
"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."
And here are Abdul's tweets, for that handful of fans not checking her Twitter activity every five minutes:
"With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to #IDOL. I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all..."
"I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day1 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"
"It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month"
"I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all"
So what had been rumored seemingly forever - especially since Kara DiGuardi joined the judges' table - has finally come to pass. How do you feel about it, "Idol" fans?