Abdul denies new 'Idol' contact reports

Paula Abdul has dismissed recent speculation that she has negotiated a new contract that will see her returning to American Idol.

Conflicting reports suggested that the singer had been talking with producers in an attempt to secure a multi-million deal before agreeing to reprise her panel position for the upcoming ninth season.

Writing on her Twitter blog, she said: "Hey guys, I have not made a deal with Idol. Don't know how that rumour got started but it's not true as I still haven't heard from the producers."

Speculation that Abdul might not return to the show was fuelled by her manager, who recently said that she had been "hurt" and "angry" at being blocked out of contract negotiations.

Earlier this week, fellow judge Simon Cowell insisted that Abdul would "be fine", revealing that he had told producers that he wanted the star to stay.