Abdul says exit wasn't money related

After announcing this summer that she will be leaving her seat as judge on "American Idol," Paula Abdul opened up to TV Guide in one of her first interview's since the departure. When news first broke of her exit, there was speculation that Abdul felt slighted by the contract she was offered, but in the interview the singer insists that money was not the issue.

A People story reported the interview.

"I stand on principle where many people stand on money," she says. "I'm a hard-working artist. I've lasted in this business for 23 years. And you can't do that unless you are good at what you do."

Abdul also said that she will miss watching young stars grow, something she had a hand in as a judge for eight seasons.

"I'm going to miss the experience of watching young talent evolve into a place where they get to take off and soar."