It appears, after all the denials, protestations and recriminations, that Paula Abdul really has left American Idol behind.

That is, if you believe a Twitter post she released about two hours ago, reading: "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..(I’ll miss) being a part of a show that I helped from day1 become an international phenomenon."

Toss in news that new judge Kara DioGuardi recently sealed a deal to return to the show, and it seems that -- despite all the denials both women made at the time -- DioGuardi's addition turned out to be a serious bit of "Paula insurance," after all. (The Hollywood Reporter says Paula turned down a 30 percent raise, seeking $20 million to stay on)

It's hard to imagine what will happen to the dynamic among the judge's table with Abdul gone. Four judges seemed to bog down the show last season -- making it tough to finish the live episodes on time.

But even though some critics -- okay, me -- questioned the notion of having an '80 pop star known for her lack of singing talent judge a singing contest, Abdul's often-loopy demeanor and eccentric comments also lent an unpredictable air to an often predictable program -- even when she evaluated performances that hadn't happened yet.

Now that she's no longer going to be here to kick around anymore, I think I'm gonna miss her.

Click below to read my Top Paula Abdul Crazy Train Moments:

(cue Daughtry's version of Home)

May 2007 -- Abdul trips over her chihuahua, Tulip, and breaks her nose before the finale for Idol's 6th season.

April 2008 -- Abdul gets confused and critiques two songs by competitor Jason Castro though he only sang one (he sang two in rehearsal, before producers changed the format).

December 2008 - Abdul blasts Idol producers in a radio interview with Barbara Walters for allowing "superfan" Paula Goodspeed to audition on the show, even after she told them Goodspeed was a stalker. In November 2008, Goodspeed killed herself in front of Abdul's home; the Idol judge later denied  criticizing producers.

May 2009 -- Abdul is quoted admitting an addiction to painkillers in an interview with Ladies Home Journal, then quickly denies it.

April 2005 -- Former Idol contestant Corey Clark says he slept with Abdul; months later, an investigation by Fox clears her of all wrongdoing.

January 2007 -- Abdul gives loopy interviews during auditions for American Idol 6, where she slurs her words and babbles even more incoherently than usual. Check the clip below and mourn reality TV's unfathomable loss:

*