PAULA ABDUL SIGNS NEW MULTI-YEAR DEAL AS "AMERICAN IDOL" JUDGE ON FOX

Paula Abdul has agreed to continue her role as a fan-favorite judge on the hit series AMERICAN IDOL for at least three more years, it was announced today by Peter Liguori, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company.

"Paula is an integral member of the AMERICAN IDOL family, and we are excited to have her continue as the show's beloved judge," said Liguori. He added: "As someone who rose to the top of the charts as a solo artist, she has unique insights into the contestants' hopes, dreams and fears."

"Paula's warm and nurturing nature is vital to the balance of the show. We are thrilled to have her alongside - or actually in between - Randy and Simon," added Mike Darnell, Executive Vice President of Special Programming.

"It is truly an honor to be a part of the AMERICAN IDOL phenomenon," Adbul said. "As an artist myself, it is a pleasure to have a connection with each of the contestants and be able to fully support their dreams and aspirations. They truly inspire and amaze me each week. Of course, I also look forward to putting Simon in his place for years to come."

Abdul's music career encompasses worldwide album sales exceeding 40 million records, two No. 1 albums, six No. 1 singles, a Grammy Award, seven MTV Awards, three American Music Awards, two Emmy Awards, two People's Choice Awards and two Kids' Choice Awards. She has also been honored with a Star on Hollywood Boulevard and inducted into Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Hall of Fame.

Behind the camera, Abdul is a gifted and recognized choreographer in film, television, video, stage and live tours. Her celebrated work in choreography includes Emmy-winning contributions to "The Tracey Ullman Show," the film "Coming to America," Abdul's own performance on "The American Music Awards" and her choreography for "The Academy Awards," for which she earned an Emmy nomination. Other triumphs include her award-winning work with Janet Jackson, which garnered two MTV Video Awards; and working with such musical legends as Aretha Franklin, George Michael, Luther Vandross, INXS, Heart and Prince.

Abdul's choreography contributions in feature film also include the Academy Award-winning "American Beauty," working with Cuba Gooding Jr. on his Academy Award-winning performance in "Jerry McGuire" and transforming Val Kilmer into Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's "The Doors."

AMERICAN IDOL continues to dominate as television's No. 1 show for yet another season. The talent competition is up an amazing +12% among Adults 18-49 versus last year and +14% among Total Viewers, averaging over 31.3 million viewers per telecast.

Fourteen-time Emmy-nominated AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment, Ltd.; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Nigel Lythgoe, President, 19 Television; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.