Fox: Paula Abdul is off ‘American Idol’; Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry in as guest judges

Fox: Abdul off ‘Idol’; Posh, Perry guest judges

PASADENA, Calif. — Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Rice says negotiations are over with Paula Abdul and she’s not coming back to “American Idol.”

Rice told the Television Critics Association on Thursday that the network made an offer it considered very fair to Abdul, but she decided not to return as a judge on the hit singing contest.

Auditions for the ninth season are set to begin Friday, and Rice said guest judges will join Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi during the seven weeks of tryouts.

Two have been confirmed to step in as guest “Idol” judges: Victoria Beckham and Katy Perry.

Rice said the network is saddened by Abdul’s decision but looks forward to finding a replacement for her who could bring a new dynamic to the show.