Fox nearly slammed the door on Paula Abdul's return to 'American Idol' - but not quite.
"We made an offer we feel is very fair to Paula that included a substantial raise," Fox Entertain-ment Chairman Peter Rice told the Television Critics Association on Thursday.
But Abdul decided against returning for the singing contest's ninth season, he said.
Female pop stars will serve as guest judges for the seven-week audition process that began yesterday in Denver, with Victoria Beckham and Katy Perry the first to be announced by Fox.
negotiations concluded
Asked after the session what the network would do if Abdul sought to reopen negotiations, Rice replied: "I have no expectation that Paula's going to do that. And in terms of the negotiations themselves, the negotiations have concluded."
When asked what Fox's reaction would be if Abdul agreed to take the network's last offer, Rice replied he didn't expect her to. But he didn't respond when queried again about what the network would do if she agreed to it.
The offer is for a multi-year, eight-figure deal that represents a 30 per cent increase for Abdul, according to a person familiar with the talks. The person, who was not authorised to speak publicly, asked not to be identified.
"My understanding is that her only issue is money," Rice said.
Nigel Lythgoe, former American Idol producer and executive producer and judge with Fox's 'So You Think You Can Dance', said he's invited Abdul to meet him and "talk about what opportunities are out there."
renegotiations possible
But he said he's reserving judgement about whether she's a free agent or not.
"I still don't know that she's going to leave 'Idol'," Lythgoe told another session of the critics' association. "I know this is going on, and the tweeting and the official statements and everything. But until 'Idol' goes on the air, there's always opportunities for renegotiations. Who knows. Who knows what might happen."
During his Q&A session with reporters, Rice said the network is saddened by Abdul's decision but looks forward to finding a permanent replacement for her between now and the return of TV's number one show in January.
He called Abdul an important part of the show and acknowledged that there will be a "different dynamic" without her.
"There's also something very exciting about that," Rice added.
Original judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson are returning for the ninth season, which starts next January, and will be joined for a second year by Kara DioGuardi.
Cowell's contract expires after the season and Fox is talking to him about returning, Rice said.
"We have a wonderful relationship with Simon. We are in the middle of a new contract negotiation with him and our expectation is he will remain with the show," the executive said.