Paula Abdul Ousts 4th American Idol Judge

Sources say that Abdul enjoyed being the only female on the panel of judges for the hit reality show and felt threatened by Martinez’s presence. It seems that Martinez, a radio DJ whose upbeat personality made her a fixture on New York’s Hot 97 since the late 90s, was hired to "spice" things up on the show.

An insider on the show has been quoted as saying that Abdul didn’t like that "Angie was getting better lines and was so well-liked." So apparently, Abdul convinced fellow judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson to get rid of Martinez. Abdul’s publicist has denied reports that she had anything to do with Martinez’s departure and was quoted as saying, "Not only was Paula saddened by her departure, but Angie’s presence was welcomed by Paula."

Martinez, a singer herself, has said that it was her decision to quit the show. She said in a statement, "After judging the first few auditions, I’ve decided to leave the show because it became too uncomfortable for me to tell someone else to give up their dream." Maybe it just became too uncomfortable dealing with a jealous Abdul. Fox has said that Martinez will not be replaced and the second season of American Idol will stick with its original three-judge format. Martinez released her debut CD, Up Close and Personal, last year. Her second CD, Animal House, already has a Top 10 single "If I Could Go." Maybe getting up close and personal with Abdul proved to be too much for the younger Martinez.