• by Wayne Friedman , August 6, 2009

Pasadena, Calif. - With the bulk of Fox prime-time ratings points devoted to its big multi-night "American Idol" show, there have been many inquiries directed to senior Fox executives about Paula Abdul's departure from the show.

"We very much wanted her to return," says Peter Rice, chairman of Fox Entertainment, speaking at the Television Critics Association meeting here. "We made an offer that was fair and was substantial. But she has decided not to return."

Right now, the show is in the middle of production with initial early-round auditions, where Abdul would typically be seen as a judge. "Our intention is to have guest judges at those auditions," says Rice. He has confirmed that singers Katy Perry and Victoria Beckham will be early-round judges. But as of this moment, with the news of Abdul's departure still fresh, Rice added: "We don't have deep contingencies."

Earlier in the day, Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer and judge of "So You Think You Can Dance" and a former executive producer of "American Idol," mused that everything might not be final with Abdul. "I still don't know if she is going to leave "Idol," says Lythgoe, believing that negotiations might start up again. Lythgoe has expressed interest in bringing on Abdul as a guest judge on "Dance."

Mike Darnell, president of alternative entertainment for Fox Broadcasting, would not confirm whether the show will go ahead with three judges -- which was the case for most of its run -- or keep the four judge process that started last season.

Concerning the end of last season's pilot showing of Fox's big entry "Glee," Kevin Reilly, president of Fox Entertainment, said: "It was in line with our expectations." "Glee" produced an average 4.3 rating among 18-49 viewers. "It was really a marketing stunt," says Reilly.

In regard to the upcoming season, Reilly feels the trimmed-back Major League Baseball fall playoff schedule helped the network keep some consistency last fall -- something he hopes to recreate this fall. He says the new fall version of "So You Think You Can Dance?" should help.

"We have come to a manageable place with baseball," he says. "It does not set a bomb off in the schedule. If we can lock in with "Dance," it will create a lot of stability."