FOX investigates 'Idol' affair claims

Paula Abdul may be replaced as a judge on American Idol pending the results of an investigation into the claims that she had an affair with a former contestant.

Broadcast network FOX confirmed Friday that it had launched an "independent" probe into the allegations of disqualified hopeful Corey Clark and would be ready to announce the verdict shortly.

Auditions for the show's fifth season are due to begin on August 18 and, should the outcome not be clear by then, guest judges will be drafted in to fill her spot.

"The credibility of the competition is incredibly important to us," said FOX entertainment president Peter Liguori, "and we will do everything possible to secure that credibility."