R.I.P. Paula Abdul on American Idol: June 11, 2002 – Aug 5, 2009

Take a good look at Paula Abdul sitting at that judges’ table, because she won’t be returning to it for season 9 of American Idol. After weeks of contract disputes, Abdul finally confirmed our biggest fear last night on her Twitter, thus giving Kara DioGuardi way more screen time than we see fit.

Paula wrote (tearfully, we assume): “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 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. 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.”

Honestly, we will miss Paula more than we care to admit, and not just because it means more Kara (we’d blame her for everything if we could) – Paula’s rapport with Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson was sweet and unpredictable even while being contentious, and was reason enough to watch the show. We will miss her glitter makeup and high necklines, her nonsensical, free-form poetic critiques, the palm clapping, the forgetfulness, the mustache Simon drew on her face last season, but most of all, we will miss not being able to reference MC Skat Kat in any of our future Idol recaps. ‘Tis a sad day indeed. [Photo: GettyImages]