Reality TV

Posted: Wed., Mar. 29, 2006, 9:00pm PT

Abdul an 'Idol' fixture

Judge will remain with show through May 2008

Paula Abdul

Abdul

Paula Abdul has signed up for another three years as a judge on "American Idol."

Pact ensures Abdul will remain with TV's most-watched show through May 2008. A person familiar with the deal said Abdul landed "a substantial raise," ensuring she will continue pulling down a hefty seven-figure salary.

Deal with Abdul follows Simon Cowell's recent megabucks renewal with Fox. That pact keeps Cowell on board the "Idol" train for at least five more years. Randy Jackson and "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest are already under long-term deals with Fox.

"Idol" remains a ratings juggernaut in its fifth season, with Nielsen numbers up 12% season-to-date among viewers 18-49. Skein is a co-production of 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia North America.

Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

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