Rumors that American Idol judge Paula Abdul is leaving the hit show have been circulating the media for the past 6 months but no one ever thought the news would actually become reality – until she confirmed it herself this week.

Abdul, who is known for her crazy antics and flirty relationship with co-judge Simon Cowell, twittered the following message to her fans:

“With sadness in my heart, I’ve 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 day1become an international phenomenon.”

Paula’s decision to leave Idol is a shock to everyone, including host Ryan Seacrest and fellow judges Simon, Randy and Kara.

Ryan Seacrest twittered the following on his official page:

“About to go to sleep when I started seeing my blackberry blow up. I have read what u have read and I am shocked and saddened about paula. 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.”

Seacrest also went on to let fans know that he had spoken to Randy and hoped to speak with Paula overnight.

We’re not sure what made Paula decide to leave the show for good but we’re sure we’ll find out.

We simply don’t think the show will be the same without Paula. Sure, she was a little messed up but she always made the show interesting. Idol may become very boring without Paula’s crazy behavior.

Are you happy to see Paula go – or do you wish she was staying on the show?

Watch this video of Simon and Paula flirting and try and tell us this show won't suck without Paula!

Also watch the experts have to say on Paula leaving the show - and what fans think of her decision: