Evidently Paula was expendable, but the same can’t be said for the infamous Simon Cowell. Cowell has been reported to be close to a two-year deal that will stuff $45 million a year into his fat wallet. That would be a $9 million raise over his current paltry salary of $36 million. The stratospheric numbers of the deal must be like lemon juice on a papercut for Paula Abdul who was trying to get $10 million a year out of the show’s producers, up from her previous $4 million.

Simon’s status had be drawn into question after he mused to a British paper that the constant globe skipping was taking its toll and that he’d been considering leaving the popular Fox reality show after the current season. It was also thought that he would use the escape hatch to import one of the British music reality sensations like "X-Factor." Fox seems to be smartly short circuiting the potential competitor by ponying up for Simon’s renewal.

Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest and Kara DioGuardi have no potential drama swirling around in their Idol lives. All are slated for return for the coming season. Paula’s absent seat will be a revolving door of sorts as celebrity judges take weekly ownership of the critic’s chair. On deck thus far are Katy Perry, Victoria (Posh) Beckham and Mary J Blige. Rumors have been swirling about a possible spot for Shania Twain and Jessica Simpson, but those are still deep in the speculation phase at this point.