Paula Abdul Quits 'American Idol'

(MYFOX NATIONAL) - After months of speculation, "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul announced she would not be returning Fox's wildly popular talent show.

In a posting on her Twitter account Tuesday evening, Abdul wrote:

"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 day1become 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."

Fox confirmed the departure stating that Abdul was an important part of the show and said it was saddened by her decision to leave. Fox announced Monday that new judge Kara DioGuardi would return for a second season with "American Idol."

LATimes.com reported that Abdul's current annual salary was around $4 million, but that people close to the show say she wanted to be higher on the food chain than Ryan Seacrest and initially asked for as much as $20 million before reducing that demand to $12 million.

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