It's the end of a (crazy) era.

After eight seasons as a judge on American Idol, Paula Abdul has failed to agree to terms on a new contract. She bid farewell to her fans on Twitter last night, writing:

"With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to Idol," Abdul, 47, writes on her Twitter page. "I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day one become an international phenomenon.

"What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me. I do, without any doubt, have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all."

American Idol, of course, had been preparing for this decision. It hired Kara DioGuardi as a fourth judge last season, and signed her to a new deal last week.

When season nine premieres in January, she'll be joined by veterans Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, along with far less nonsencial rambling.

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