New contract bans Paula Abdul from talking on 'American Idol'

The tough negotiations between the producers of “American Idol” and judge Paula Abdul are finally over and Paula will stay on the show. But there's one big change this year. The new contract prohibits Paula from talking during the broadcast.

“It will avoid a lot of embarrassing moments. This is what Fox wanted. She will be still fun to look at when her eyes are all crazy, but she won't get to talk though,” said a person familiar with the negotiations. “This was the best solution to keep Paula on the show as she wanted to stay on.”

Instead, Paula will give a contestant a thumbs up or a thumbs down after a performance. However, some people are worried about that.

“They were rehearing with her last night and she got really confused with which thumb direction means good,” said the insider.

New judge Kara DioGuardi will fill up the time that Paula used to comment on the contestants.