Paula Abdul has hit back at rumours she will be ousted from American Idol to make way for new judge Kara DioGuardi - insisting she is staying on the show.

Abdul has become a regular fixture on the judging panel with Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson since its debut in 2002.

Earlier this year the programme's setup was thrown into disarray after Abdul made seemingly negative comments about Idol's new addition, DioGuardi, telling reporters a four-judge panel didn't work.

Songwriter DioGuardi hit back at Abdul's comments, stating she was "hurt and disappointed" by the words.

But despite the drama Abdul insists she is happy with her position on the show and is adamant DioGuardi - or anyone else - could never take her place in the series.

In an interview with TV show Nightline, which was scheduled to air in the US yesterday, Abdul said, "I don't think anyone can replace me.

"First of all, Kara says, 'I could never replace you.' And I said whenever there is change it's not about replacing anybody it's about possibly moving on."

Abdul, whose three-year contract is up for renewal, insists she has no plans to quit Idol. - Wenn