She may have been there when it all started but this star has no plans to be there for the next reincarnation of this talent launch pad.
Paul Abdul has ruled out a return to American Idol once and for all.
The 54-year-old said while she was ‘excited’ to see the new version of the competition she will not be part of the ABC Network reboot during a chat with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford on Today on Monday.
Not this time: Paul Abdul ruled out a return to American Idol once and for all, during a chat with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford on Today on Monday
Paula, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell were the original panel of judges when American Idol made it’s debut in 2002 on Fox.
The singer turned host said Monday: ‘I’m excited for the reboot. I think the ABC network is a wonderful network for it as well.
‘I had an incredible time on that show and blessed to be part of it from the beginning, but I think they need to do a whole reboot.’
The show ended back in 2016 after running for 15 seasons on Fox and ABC confirmed they were bringing it back last week.
Fresh start: The star (pictured with Donnie Wahlberg and Jordan Knight) said, ‘I had an incredible time on that show and blessed to be part of it from the beginning, but I think they need to do a whole reboot’
Will tune in: The 54-year-old said while she was ‘excited’ to see the new version of the competition which will air on ABC
The 54-year-old singer has just kicked off her Total Package tour with New Kids On The Block and Boys II Men, which she is calling her current priority.
Previously the star had been a bit more vague about whether she would return.
When asked by E! News last week if she would make an appearance on the new version she said, ‘I have no idea!’
The OGs: Paula, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell (seen here 2005) were the original panel of judges when American Idol made it’s debut in 2002 on Fox
Her former co-judge Simon Cowell has withdrawn his name from consideration of ever returning to Idol.
In an interview with Extra, he said ‘I was asked to do it, and the answer is no.’
‘Last time I watched, it was not the same show, just the same name. I left for a reason and I never regretted that,’ he added.
Back on tour: The 54-year-old singer just launched her first tour in 25 years, singing hits like Straight Up
‘It was a different time with Randy, Ryan [Seacrest] and Paula. You can’t re-create that.’
As for who will judge the show, Katy Perry all but confirmed she would have a role while appearing on the Ellen DeGeneres Sow and former contestant Chris Daughtry has also been mentioned.
Reportedly Ryan Seacrest may also return as host.
In the mix: Idol producers are reportedly considering former contestant Fantasia Barrino (pictured last year) as a judge
On Tuesday Hollywood Life reported another former contestant, Fantasia Barrino is also being considered.
A source told the website: ‘They are eager to get a person of ethnic background or person of color so Fantasia is being considered and is in the mix.
‘They are also looking to possibly have a new name or producer or record label person join the show. Timbaland has been mentioned in discussions to possibly fill that void.’
It’s a no from me: Simon (pictured 2004) has ruled out any chance of returning to Idol