Music, American Idol Season 9 | featured news

Simon Cowell, despite hinting in the spring that he might be leaving “American Idol,” will be a judge on hit reality show for at least three more seasons and reportedly will earn $45 million under the new pact.

As the dust settles on the shocking departure of Paula Abdul, 47, from next season's American Idol, now comes confirmation from Victoria Beckham's publicist that the former Posh Spice, 35, will make a "one-off appearance" as a guest judge on the top-rated FOX show, according to Britain's Sky News.

Simon Cowell and the other judges on 'American Idol' will not have Paula Abdul to kick around anymore.

"American Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi will be back on the show next season, officials announced Monday.

Paula Abdul's fans are all atwitter about the possibility their idol may not be invited back for another season as a judge on "American Idol."

There may be speculation about which judges will be returning to "American Idol" next season, but there's no question about one "Idol" regular: Host Ryan Seacrest is definitely back on board in a big way. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Seacrest closed Monday on a deal with CKX, parent company of "Idol" producer 19 Entertainment, worth $45 million over three years.

It has only been two weeks since Kris Allen's "American Idol" crowning, but Fox has already announced audition dates and locations for season 9 of the hit show.