Paula Abdul may not return to American Idol

American Idol judge Paula Abdul may not be on the show next season, reported Reuters on Tuesday. Abdul, who did not receive a new contract from "Idol" producers, has been a judge on the show since its inception.

Since then, "Idol" has become the most watched show in America, with different versions played in over 100 countries, and the brand is now worth over $1 billion. After not receiving a new contract, however, it appears as though, "She's (not) going to be back on 'Idol,'" said her manager, David Sonenburg.

Some believe that Sonenburg's comments are a tricky way of maneuvering a pay raise for Abdul. James Poniewozik of Time magazine wrote "This kind of public talk is usually a negotiation strategy; Abdul herself has said as much in interviews."