We were SHOCKED and SUPER SAD to see Paula Abdul on the list of those fired in the X Factor job massacre!

While we totally understood others on that list, Paula has been with Simon Cowell from day one!!

So what gives??

Maybe her statement will shed some light:

Yes, it’s true; I won’t be returning to The X Factor next season.

I’ve learned through my longevity in this industry that business decisions often times override personal considerations. Simon and I, along with Fox and Fremantle, have been communicating about this for a while now, and I have absolute understanding of the situation.

Simon is, and will remain a dear friend of mine and I’ve treasured my experience working this past season with my extended family at Fox and Fremantle. I want nothing more than for The X Factor to exceed ALL of their wildest dreams. This truly has been a blessing and I am most grateful.

Hmmm… okay, so from what we're seeing, this decision probably wasn't Simon's favorite thing to do, but he needed to do it for better business??

The truth hurts but we can see execs recommending someone fresh to a judge's table… or something else along those lines.

Sigh. We'll miss Paula, but we can't wait to see who's new!! We vote Perez!!

[Image via Nikki Nelson/WENN.]