At first it wasn't clear whether this is for real, a negotiating tactic or maybe even a hacked Twitter account.

But it's true. "American Idol" will return this winter without one of its longtime judges.

Paula Abdul reportedly told her followers in Twitter that "with sadness in my heart, I have decided not to return to 'Idol.' I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day [one] become an international phenomenon."

"What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me," Abdul said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "It has truly been breathtaking, especially over the past month. I do without any doubt have the best fans in the entire world and I love you all."

Because Abdul released the statement on Twitter, and because it was not accompanied by any official announcement by Fox, it is not clear at first whether the statement really came from Abdul, or if contract negotiations have indeed ended. Both sides have been playing the contract dispute in the press, and it remains possible that if Abdul did indeed leave the message, this could be part of that continuing dispute.

However, Fox and the production companies behind "American Idol" later issued the statement that "Paul Abdul has been an important part of the 'American Idol' family over the last eight seasons, and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show. While Paula will not be continuing with us, she's a tremendous talent and we wish her the best."

Abdul, a 1990s music star, has been a judge on the Fox hit reality show since it premiered in 2002. She was joined by fellow judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, and this past season was part of a team that included a new judge, Kara DioGuardi.