Los Angeles - TV personality Paula Abdul is leaving the hit series American Idol after eight seasons as a judge on the top-ranked US show.

"With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to IDOL," Abdul announced on her Twitter account. "I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day 1 become an international phenomenon."

Abdul, a former singer and dancer, gave no reason for her decision. But she had been demanding a significant raise to her 2- million-dollar per season contract which the program's producer's had been unwilling to offer.

In a statement, Fox Broadcasting, Fremantle Media and 19 Entertainment, which jointly produce the program, said they regretted the decision: "Paula 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."(dpa)