Paula Abdul leaving 'American Idol'

August 04, 2009 The Idol judge made the announcement on her Twitter feed: 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 being a part of a show that I helped from Day 1 become an international phenomenon ... 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. Cowell, who in the spring indicated he might leave at the end of his current deal, is already talking to "Idol" producers for a new contract, reportedly seeking more than $100 million a year.

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