andPOP - Pop Culture With Substance

As American Idol gears up for a new series this fall, its roster of judges is expanding its horizons.

Katy Perry and Avril Lavigne will be the latest stars to sit alongside Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul’s replacement Kara DioGuardi during the last round of auditions in Los Angeles.

Throughout auditions, the show has welcome Victoria Beckham, Shania Twain, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Mary J. Blige and Kristen Chenoweth to have their say.

Abdul abandoned the show in August in a rather abrupt move that many speculated had to do with salary. But in an interview with the New York Daily News, Abdul said the decision was more about pursuing her career (whatever’s left of it.)

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It’s official: Paula Abdul is leaving “American Idol”. The former “Idol” judge tweeted about leaving the popular TV show.

With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to ‘Idol,’” Abdul wrote. “I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day one 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. I do, without any doubt, have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all.”

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Paula Abdul’s “American Idol “ contract may have expired last season, but that doesn’t mean she’ll be leaving the singing competition any time soon.

“I’ve been invited to stay the duration of the show, however long it lasts,” Abdul told the Associated Press. She continued by saying the invitation to come back on the show is subject to agreement.

As usual, it seems like one guy knew the chances of Abdul returning to “Idol” were great. Back in May, Simon Cowell told Ellen Degeneres, “Everyone’s going to be back. Absolutely.”

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