Was there really any doubt that Paula Abdul would return to American Idol next season? What else is the wacky judge gonna do?!?

In an interview with The Associated Press this week, Abdul confirmed that Fox has asked her back for next year... and the year after that... and the year after that.

"I've been invited to stay the duration of the show, however long it lasts," said Abdul, whose contract hasn't been renewed after it expired this spring.

Asked about her fellow judges, Abdul referred to the panel of American Idol judges - that includes Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi - a "dysfunctional family of sorts."

"I'm the nurturing mom, Simon's the disapproving dad, and Randy's the cool brother," Paula said. "It's been an interesting journey. It's something that I'll always would want to be a part of."

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.