Producer: Paula an integral part of 'Idol'

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Reports claiming "American Idol" bosses want to push judge Paula Abdul off the U.S. show aren't true, says producer Ken Warwick.

Abdul, who is now in contract negotiations regarding her future with the series, has been critical of "Idol" producers for allowing a woman, whom Abdul has described as her stalker, to audition for the program in 2005. The woman was found dead of an apparent suicide last month outside Abdul's Los Angeles home.

But despite recent events, Warwick said he hopes Abdul remains with the show.

"America loves Paula. She's an integral part of this program," People.com said Warwick told reporters Monday on a conference call to discuss the singing competition show's eighth season, which is to premiere Jan. 13. "Never have I been faced with anyone saying Paula's got to go. She's one of the foundation blocks of this series. She keeps (judge) Simon (Cowell) well in control."

People.com noted that rumors Abdul was leaving the show took off when it was announced singer-songwriter and music producer Kara DioGuardi would be joining the panel of "Idol" judges.

"Initially 'Idol' (in England) was always four judges," Warwick said, adding DioGuardi is "young, talented, opinionated" and can help Abdul "gang up on Simon."