Paula Abdul may not be returning to the next season of American Idol if the producers don't throw down the big bucks.

Her manager David Sonenberg tells the LA Times, "Very sadly, it does not appear that she's going to be back on 'Idol.'"

He also revealed that although the ninth season is set to begin taping August 6, David doesn't even have a proposal for a new contract from FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, the production companies behind the show.

He went on, "I find it under these circumstances particularly unusual; I think unnecessarily hurtful. I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that they haven't stepped up and said what they want to do."

The show's host, Ryan Seacrest, recently recieved a huge payday for signing a 3-year-contract with the show. $45 million to be exact.

So what gives? We need Paula! Share your thoughts in the comments!