Mary J. Blige: 'I'm not replacing Abdul'

Mary J. Blige has denied suggestions that she will be permanently replacing Paula Abdul on American Idol.

Blige is one of several celebrities that have been lined up to make a one-off appearance on the hit reality show since Abdul walked out last month.

It has also been claimed that the star might become a permanent fixture alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi in the upcoming season.

However, Blige has now come forward to dismiss the speculation. She told the New York Daily News: "I'm not gonna be the next Paula Abdul. There was, maybe, three women that were incredible and three guys. The rest of it? A lot of it was like, 'You can't be serious!'"

As previously reported, the R&B singer was recently confirmed to perform at the Vienna tribute to Michael Jackson.