Abdul quitting US Idol

According to reports, the talent show judge will not return...

08:37 21 July 2009

American Idol judge Paula Abdul has announced that she will not be returning to the new series.

According to reports, the former pop singer has been caught up in a pay row and is yet to sign a contract for the ninth series of the hit talent show.

Auditions for the new series of American Idol begin on August 6. Judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson have already signed a contract to continue with their posts.

Idol host Ryan Seacrest has also signed a £27million, three-year deal with the show making him the world's highest-earning TV presenter.

Abdul's manager David Sonenberg told The Sun: "Very sadly, it does not appear that she's going to be back on Idol."

He accused the production company of being "unnecessarily hurtful" towards Abdul adding: "I find it rude and disrespectful that they've not stepped up and said what they want to do.

"Paula's not a happy camper as a result of what's going on. She's hurt. She's angry."

Kara DioGuardi, who joined the panel for series eight, is also yet to confirm whether she will return to the new series.