Abdul 'felt disrespected by Idol producers'

Paula Abdul reportedly left American Idol because of the way she was treated by the show's producers.

The singer, who had been on the popular singing competition for eight seasons, recently announced that she was leaving the series, after negotiations to renew her contract failed.

According to The New York Times, a source close to the 47-year-old said that Abdul's decision to vacate her post as a judge was down to a discrepancy in pay with her male colleagues.

Host Ryan Seacrest recently signed a $45m (£27m) three-year contract, while fellow panellist Simon Cowell is allegedly finalising a similar deal with Idol executives. Abdul had been reported as netting between $2m (£1.2m) and $4m (£2.4m) during her stint on the show.

The insider added that the star relayed that she felt disrespected and undermined by the programme's producers for the gap in pay, and for adding fourth judge Kara DioGuardi to the panel last season.

It was reported earlier that Abdul may appear in a guest star capacity on Ugly Betty, while she said that she would consider being a judge on So You Think You Can Dance.