Was hiring a fourth judge on American Idol in fact just a ploy to one day replace Paula Abdul? Rumors are circulating that she might be on her way out to door to explore other projects.

Abdul is reportedly set to “transition” out of involvement with the hit show to concentrate on other TV projects, OK! magazine reported.

“She knows that every season could be her last,” a source told OK!. “Now she’s got a new secret venture that she’s really excited about.”

Abdul had recently starred in “Hey Paula,” a reality show that followed the singer in her daily life. The show aired on Bravo but was cancelled after one season due to poor ratings.

To be honest, I’ve never really understood why Paula was there in the first place. I hear the new judge, Kara DioGuardi,  is much more experienced and talented, so I would welcome her replacement.

[images: WENN]