Nigel Lythgoe (FOX)

“I still love Paula,” Nigel Lythgoe told Daily Variety. Paula Abdul is currently working on her own new dancing show on CBS, but Lythgoe would dearly like to get her back on American Idol too. “She’s signed to CBS, probably exclusively, but I’d recommend we have her in a heartbeat.”

Ellen DeGeneres recently announced she would not be returning to American Idol and rumor has it songwriter Kara DioGuardi might be out as well. Simon Cowell, of course, is already long out the door. Only Randy Jackson will remain to represent the original judging cast. We’d personally love to see Abdul back at the American Idol judges table too.

Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler and diva Jennifer Lopez are rumored to be working on deals with FOX to possibly come on board as American Idol judges. So far Lythgoe and FOX are keeping quiet about the rumors.

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“Hi guys! im really excited 2 announce ill b hosting this year’s “Vh1 Divas”!The show will be live on Sept 17th @ 9 pm EST,” Paula Abdul tweeted Monday evening. “This year’s VH1 Divas show will honor Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks, Leona Lewis and Miley Cyrus- I am so excited!!” (Ouch – that’s enough exclamation marks Paula!)

Not sure I’d be all that excited about being forced to hang out with Miley Cyrus, but glad to hear Paula has a new job – at least temporarily. Really, Paula Abdul should just fire her PR reps since Twitter now seems to be her main way of communicating her business. First she ditches American Idol via Twitter, now she announces her new job the same way. Though I don’t know if we really need all that much information about her dog Tulip’s various medical issues…
 
Unless the American Idol powers-that-be decide to cough up the cash and try to lure Miss Paula back in, AI is not going to be nearly as entertaining next time around. Paula Abdul’s rambling, nearly incomprehensible commentary is at least half the fun of the show!

On Monday, Fox confirmed songwriter Kara DioGuardi would be returning as a judge for a second season of American Idol. Considering the rumors of bad blood between DioGuardi and Abdul, it’s interesting that Abdul announced she’s quitting just a few days later. Reports abound that Abdul was also after a hefty pay raise, reportedly demanding $20 million to appear on the next season of Idol, but wasn’t able to convince Fox to pay out.

“With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to [American Idol]. I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent… but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day1become [sic] an international phenomenon,” Abdul posted on her Twitter feed Tuesday night.

“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.”

On his radio show Wednesday morning, American Idol host Ryan Seacrest said he was “shocked” and “bummed because we’ve worked together for so many years.”

American Idol season 8 winner Kris Allen said via Twitter he was “glad I was able to be a part of your last season on the show. You showed us so much love.”