It’s now official that Paula Abdul is quiting American Idol. Here’s the tweets that Paula Abdul sent out on Twitter about leaving American Idol:

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..Cont’d…

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

Of course, American Idol’s loss might be So You Think You Can Dance’s gain. Nigel Lythgoe has been making a bunch of overtures to get Paula Abdul to come on So You Think You Can Dance as a judge and/or choreographer. Needless to say, I think Paula’s going to be ok after leaving American Idol.

UPDATE: Fox put out the following official statement:
“Paula Abdul has been an important part of the American Idol family over the last eight seasons and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show. While Paula will not be continuing with us, she’s a tremendous talent and we wish her the best.”

I guess that Simon Cowell needed some extra help at the judging table now that Simon is taking over Nigel Lythgote’s duties. It was just announced that American Idol has added a fourth judge to the panel, Kara DioGuardi. I know nothing about Kara, but let’s hope she’s not like most of the songwriter judges that have appeared on Nashville Star that were really afraid to speak their mind.

Here’s the announcement of the fourth judge.

American Idol is adding Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi as a fourth judge this season — which means Paula Abdul will no longer be stuck in the peacemaker role between Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.

“For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges’ table. She’s been (seen) as an island of consideration and gentle criticism between Randy and Simon,” said Mike Darnell, Fox’s president of alternative programming.

“With Kara by her side, Paula finally has some back-up and now there is going to be a lot more ‘girl power’ on the show,” Darnell added.