When word spread that the minds behind TV’s most popular show were adding a new female judge, the rumors quickly started that the “old” female judge is on the way out as a result. Thanks to some recent comments and movements made by Paula Abdul, gossip that she could be leaving American Idol are flying again. Only this time, they may have some basis in the truth.

OK! Magazine reports that Paula Abdul is going to “transition” out of Idol, and one source is quoted as saying the singer has a “new, secret venture” in the works. It can only be assumed this venture is not Paula Abdul’s RAH Cheerleading Bowl, which everyone already knows about. This cheer competition will air on MTV on Jan. 1.

Abdul, 45, had “no comment” on the rumors reported by OK!. It could be that a four-person panel is just too crowded for Paula, who has long lorded as the only female in the permanent cast. Kara DioGuardi will join the judges at the Idol table for the first time this year.

Last year, it was reported that American Idol was not-so-quietly polling viewers, asking them questions on every cast member and facet of the show. Could it be that Paula’s results weren’t so great? The show will premiere on January 13, though there’s no word on which members of the judging panel will be viewable in the first few (casting) episodes.