With the return of the Wild Card Round and the omission of Idol Gives Back, there are big changes on the horizon for America’s No. 1 rated singing competition; but a replacement for controversial judge Paula Abdul won’t be one of them.

American Idol executive producer Ken Warwick squashed rumors that the series may be thinking of dropping judge Paula Abdul.

“We’ve never had any discussion of is her job in any jeopardy. It’s not. It’s not in any jeopardy,” he told reporters during a conference call about American Idol’s upcoming eighth season, premiering Jan. 13. “America loves Paula. She’s an integral part of the program. And, as far as I’m concerned, I hope she’s there till the day it comes off the air. End of story.”