abdulred061710_02_X17WM230.jpgLooks like Paula Abdul was, indeed, fired from The X Factor. Although the 49-year-old singer is saying it was an amicable split.

Paula's rep released the following statement on her behalf:

    "Yes, it's true; I won't be returning to The X Factor next season. I've learned through my longevity in this industry that business decisions often times override personal considerations. Simon and I, along with Fox and Fremantle, have been communicating about this for a while now, and I have absolute understanding of the situation."


X Factor's Executive Producer Simon Cowell released the following statement:

    "I want to say a massive thank you to Paula, Nicole and Steve for being part of The X Factor last year. You do develop friendships with the people you work with and Paula, in particular, is a very close friend and I expect to be working with her on another project in the near future."


Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones will also not be returning next season.