After eight seasons, and amid rumours of a pay dispute, Paula Abdul has announced that she will not return as a judge on ‘American Idol’ for the show’s ninth season. Paula made the announcement on the website Twitter saying, “With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to American Idol. I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent… I’ll miss being a part of the show that I helped become an international phenomenon.” Ryan Seacrest, the host of the show, said that he was stunned by the news. Said Ryan, ” She’s a dear friend, I love her to death. I’m really sad.” Producers of the show apparently offered Paul a 30 per cent pay rise, but this wasn’t enough for the former singer to stay on.