It's confirmed. Paula Abdul is no longer returning to American Idol.

After the much publicized increase of Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell’s salary for the upcoming 9th season of American Idol, it’s sad that Paula Abdul will no longer reprise her job as one of the judges.

Paula and her manager were demanding an increase in her salary but the Idol producers felt she was not worth what she was asking. Instead of settling with her current salary, Paula decided to quit.

Paula’s exit from the no.1 television show on the planet was confirmed via her Twitter account. Straight from the horse’s mouth:

“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…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.”

Kara DioGuardi, on the other hand, confirms her return on American Idol judging panel next season. Randy Jackson has inked his stay until 2011. Simon Cowell signed a three-year contract so we’ll be seeing him until 2012. So the judging panel is back to 3, two guys and a lady.