Paula Abdul sensationally quit American Idol earlier this week, but instead of sticking with a three judge format, producers of the show have revealed that she will be replaced.

The show kicks off in January 2010 and Fox’s entertainment chairman Peter Rice has said that they will use temporary female guest judges (like Victoria Beckham) until they find a permanent replacement.

“Our intention is to have guest judges at each of the auditions,” Rice said at the TCA summer press tour. “Our intention is to have the guest judges be female pop stars, female performers, female artists. Between now and January we will come up with a more permanent solution (and) come up with a replacement for Paula. There’s also something exciting about that, and we’ll be looking to bring a different element and a different energy to this season.”

Victoria Beckham and Katy Perry are said to be booked. The auditions kick off this week in Denver.

Asked if there’s any chance of Abdul returning, Rice replied, “Our understanding is … we’ve concluded the negotiation.”