Could it be another cruel rumour or another plot from the American Idol PR machine, or can I really begin to hope that Paula Abdul may not be returning to American Idol?

Her manager, David Sonenberg seems to think she isn’t as he told the ‘Los Angeles Times’:

“Very sadly, it does not appear that she’s going to be back on ‘Idol,’ ”

He revealed that Abdul had still not received her new contract for the season, despite being assured that she would be invited back.

“I find it under these circumstances particularly unusual; I think unnecessarily hurtful. I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that they haven’t stepped up and said what they want to do.”

“She’s not a happy camper as a result of what’s going on. She’s hurt. She’s angry,” Sonenberg added. “I think at this point we’re going to be considering everything, including some kind of a competition show. She has tremendous ideas for a whole variety of shows.”