Abdul leaving “Idol”

Paula Abdul (photo from 'nickel.media' via Flikr)

The time has finally come, Paula Abdul is officially leaving American Idol. Abdul announced this to  the world Tuesday through her confirmed Twitter account, shocking people with the thought that the original troublesome trio is no more. Her retirement announcement came a day after Fox extended Kara DioGuardi‘s contract, a new judge brought in this season in attempts to revitalize falling Idol ratings.

Since the show’s conception, American Idol has owed a great deal of its fanfare and public attention to its panel of judges. The trio of Randy, Paula, and Simon have a wacky abnormal type of chemistry that has propelled Idol to stardom along with its young talented stars.

Throughout the show’s success Paula’s mother-like characteristics have drawn the ridicule of fellow judge Simon, sparking many on-screen spats that made for tasty television ruckus. These characteristics, along with her seemingly inability to deliver harsh criticism, has made her the soft judge in the group with two alpha males.

Many fans saw this past season’s hiring of Kara DioGuardi as a fourth Idol judge as a move to replace Abdul. This is likely how Abdul felt seeing how her retirement came quickly after DioGuardi’s contract extension.

Another reason for Abdul’s departure was her ongoing salary negotiations with sources reporting she was asking for an increase from 4 million a year to 20 million a year. While this may seem like a large jump, its important to note that Simon makes approximately 45 million a year and even Ryan Seacrest is making 30 million over three years.

Although it is unclear at this point where Paula will be taking her career after Idol, shows such as So You Think You Can Dance and The View are reportedly already taking a look at her.