You can expect to see one less familiar (read: drugged up) face on "American Idol" next year. Paula Abdul might be getting the heave-ho, as she still has yet to see a proposal with the ninth season rapidly approaching. According to her manager David Sonenberg:

"I find it under these circumstances particularly unusual; I think unnecessarily hurtful," he added of the holdup. "I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that [Idol production companies Fremantle and 19 Entertainment] haven't stepped up and said what they want to do."

Meanwhile, Simon Cowell's future with "Idol" also hangs in the balance:

He has said he may leave the show when his contract is up at the end of next season. British reports claim he has asked to be paid in excess of $100 million a season. (Source)

So the crazy one and the British one are out, that leaves -- what -- the black one? That sounds like an awesome show. Kind of like if a tree fell in the forest and said "dawg" and no one was around to hear it.

The Red-Headed Stephost at the "Idol" eighth season finale: