Paula Abdul Checking Out? (Maybe Not)

OK! Magazine is reporting that Paula Abdul is seeking to leave American Idol, the hit reality series that has spawned a number of bankable stars and eats up ratings each year like nobody's business. Of course, many had to have seen this coming with the announcement earlier this year that Fox was adding a new judge, Kara DioGuardi, to the program, but did anyone see it coming this soon? OK! cites a source close to the former singer as saying that Abdul hopes to move on to other TV projects, particularly "a new secret venture that she’s really excited about.”

I can't say I'm a dedicated fan of the show, but I also can't deny the mainstream impact it has had over the last seven years. It looks like the once dependable staple is going through some aging pains. We'll see how this shakes up as the January 13 premiere draws closer.

**UPDATE**
UPI is now reporting that Abdul's publicist is denying these claims as nothing but rumors. So, there you go.