Late-night TV comics have fun with Paula Abdul’s exit from ‘American Idol’

September 10th, 2009 Ellen DeGeneres named 4th 'American Idol' judgeLOS ANGELES — Ellen DeGeneres is dancing her way into the fourth judge's seat on "American Idol." Fox announced Wednesday the talk show host and comedian, who admittedly has no formal music experience other than a passion for tunes, would join Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi for the ninth season starting in January. The announcement all but seals the departure of Paula Abdul, who announced she was quitting the show amid a contract dispute in July.

September 9th, 2009 Source: DeGeneres is new 'American Idol' judgeLOS ANGELES — A person close to "American Idol" says Ellen DeGeneres is joining the show as a judge, taking Paula Abdul's place. Abdul, who announced she was quitting the hit singing contest amid a contract dispute, had been replaced by a succession of guest judges as "American Idol" started next season's auditions.

September 7th, 2009 MARY J. BLIGE has denied reports she's set to replace PAULA ABDUL as a permanent judge on reality TV competition AMERICAN IDOL. The No More Drama hitmaker was booked as a guest panellist on the singing competition after Abdul's departure in August (09).

August 28th, 2009 Former AMERICAN IDOL judge PAULA ABDUL has reportedly stepped up talks to bring a revue-style stage show to Sin City. The former Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader was rumoured last year (08) to be in negotiations with executives at several Las Vegas casinos to headline a cheer-themed stage show in late 2009.

August 18th, 2009 Shania Twain set as 'American Idol' guest judgeLOS ANGELES — Shania (shuh-NY'-uh) Twain is joining the ranks of "American Idol" guest judges. A spokesman for the show said Tuesday that the country singer will take part in the Chicago auditions set for the end of August.

August 13th, 2009 Victoria Beckham adding more 'Spice' to 'Idol'NEW YORK — Victoria Beckham seems to be getting used to filling a fourth judge chair on "American Idol," left vacant by Paula Abdul's departure. The former Spice Girl — Posh — was in Boston Thursday to help judge callbacks for contestants who tried out but were invited back for another round, Fox publicist Alex Gillespie said.

August 10th, 2009 NEW YORK - Victoria Beckham was "beyond excited" when she sat as the guest judge on the 'American Idol', replacing Paula Abdul, at the Denver auditions, according to sources. Though the former Spice Girl did not sport her usual pout and smiled at the onlookers, she was pretty off colour during the auditions.

August 9th, 2009 ABC wants Paula Abdul to dance on over post-'Idol'PASADENA, Calif. —ABC is joining the chorus of those seeking to hire Paula Abdul, who said she's quitting "American Idol." ABC programming chief Stephen McPherson told the Television Critics Association on Saturday that he was "stunned" to hear she'd decided to leave the top-rated Fox series and that he's contacted Abdul, whom he called an old friend.

August 8th, 2009 Beckham on hand as 'Idol' resumes post-PaulaDENVER — There was no Paula, but there was a Posh. Victoria Beckham was on hand Friday for the first round of "American Idol" auditions in the post-Paula Abdul era.

August 6th, 2009 Fox: Abdul off 'Idol'; Posh, Perry guest judgesPASADENA, Calif. — Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Rice says negotiations are over with Paula Abdul and she's not coming back to "American Idol." Rice told the Television Critics Association on Thursday that the network made an offer it considered very fair to Abdul, but she decided not to return as a judge on the hit singing contest.

August 4th, 2009 AMERICAN IDOL host RYAN SEACREST was left stunned after hearing PAULA ABDUL has quit her judging slot on the hit TV show. The 47 year old announced on her Twitter.com blog on Tuesday (04Aug09) that she would be not returning to the U.S.

August 3rd, 2009 Kara DioGuardi returning as 'American Idol' judgeNEW YORK — The Fox network says Kara DioGuardi (KA'-ruh dee-oh-GWAHR'-dee) will be back for her second round as a judge on "American Idol." The Grammy-nominated songwriter joined original panelists Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul last season. Her arrival raised questions about the future of Abdul on the hit talent competition.

July 20th, 2009 Report: Abdul's return to 'American Idol' doubtful NEW YORK — Paula Abdul's (ab-DOOL') new manager says she may not be returning to "American Idol." According to a Los Angeles Times report, David Sonenberg says he doesn't have a proposal for a new contract for Abdul. He says it doesn't appear she'll be back.

July 20th, 2009 Abdul's return to 'Idol' reportedly doubtfulNEW YORK — Paula Abdul's (ab-DOOL') new manager says she may not be returning to "American Idol." According to a Los Angeles Times report, David Sonenberg says he doesn't have a proposal for a new contract for Abdul. He says it doesn't appear she'll be back.

July 7th, 2009 Abdul feels optimistic about returning to 'Idol'ATLANTA — Paula Abdul said Monday she has been invited to remain as an "American Idol" judge and that she's optimistic that she'll be able to negotiate a new contract. "I've been invited to stay the duration of the show, however long it lasts," said Abdul, whose contract hasn't been renewed since it expired after the show's eighth season.