 Well, it’s official. American Idol judge, Paula Abdul, will not be returning for the hit reality show’s ninth season, which begins early next year. The former pop dancer, choreographer and singer of the hits ‘Opposites Attract’ and ‘Straight Up’, had a tumultuous personal and career path that was resurrected in 2002, when she joined American Idol’s first season as a judge. She has served on the show for eight seasons. In 1992, Abdul famously exchanged wedding rings with The Breakfast Club star, Emilio Estevez, but the couple was divorced only 2 years later, in 1994. Paula’s public image has suffered from eating disorders, substance abuse allegations, and a famous hit-and-run incident in 2004. However, Abdul’s tenure on American Idol has provided her A-list recognition and celebrity status, despite these setbacks. On her decision to leave American Idol, Abdul wrote on her Twitter: "With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return. I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all I'll miss being a part of a show that I helped from day 1 become an international phenomenon." In a statement issued by the Fox network and the show's producers, they said Abdul was a “tremendous talent” and that they were “saddened that she has decided not to return to the show.” Idol’s host, Ryan Seacrest has also expressed his disappointment on his Twitter: “I have read what u have read and I am shocked and saddened about Paula.” Recently, Simon Cowell revealed to Extra that he wants to see Paula Abdul back on the show: “I’ve just made it clear that I want Paula on the show.” American Idol Season Nine auditions are set to begin August 9. On Monday, FOX announced that judge Kara DioGuardi would return for a second season.
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