While American Idol fans were shocked to learn about
Paula Abdul's departure, sources tell
Hollyscoop that it's been "a long time coming."
Earlier today
Ryan Seacrest said he was "shocked" when he heard the news. "I'm just bummed because we've worked together for so many years," Ryan said on his radio show this morning.
After Paula broke the news via her twitter page, Ryan wrote, "Spoke to randy..hope to speak with paula privately overnight," and later added, "Idol and the cast have grown with each other over the last 8 seasons..I can't imagine the panel without puala. She's a star @ a great friend."
"I got on the phone to track down whoever I could before I went to sleep and I was told, 'Yeah, it's sad but true. She's leaving,' " Ryan told
E! Online. "This week, Randy, Simon, Kara and I are in Denver at the end of the week so I'm sure I'll have more to tell you."
Sources tell
Hollyscoop that Paula hasn't been involved in any of the auditions that took place in the last couple of weeks for the upcoming season.
Inside sources told
Hollyscoop that her departure was a long time coming, and despite what the other judges are saying, "they really aren't surprised by the news, especially because they have Kara now."
One of the biggest reasons for her departure was money. She asked for about $20 million from the network, according to The Hollywood Reporter, and rejected a 30 percent raise, an eight-figure, multi-year deal. Were you surprised by the news?
