We're Forever Your Girl, Paula.

When New Kids became NKOTB. When MC Hammer released The Funky Headhunter "gangsta" album as "Hammer". When Full House added the second set of twins. When Fresh Prince switched out moms. These are the moments that changed history forever, and now we've come across the biggest turning point of the 21st century - The incredible Paula Abdul leaves Idol.

I won't get into the business aspects of the situation (i.e. contract issues, new contracts for the others, etc.), but the bottom line is Randy, Paula, and Simon are no more. (I know last season had four judges, which was like the experimental Saved By the Bell summer jobs at the Malibu Sands Hotel episodes, but Paula was still there).

Randy, Kara, and Simon just won't be the same. It won't. The three judge panel is nice cuz it gives Simon more air time. And yes, Kara has current street cred in the music industry, but she didn't sing Cold Hearted (/look into his eyes/oh no/he's been telling lies/ - genius). Cold Hearted, yo!

Paula IS American Idol. A girl from the Valley, turned unlikely Laker Girl, turned unlikely beloved late 80s/early 90s pop music icon. She was not the prototype pop star, but became a pop legend. She IS this show.

What will Paula say this week? What will she wear? When will be blow up on Simon? All that amazing, unpredictable, and overall Bill Walton-like judging will be gone. GONE. All that next-day water cooler talk is gone. Your entertaining judging will be missed, Paula.

Of course, Idol will still keep rolling strong financially, similar to Star Wars I, II, III, but it just ain't the same as the original (i.e. Star Wars episodes IV, V, VI). Simon's gonna need to carry the squad next season for awhile until the new three can gel as a group.

Don't leave, Paula! I don't want any Jar Jar Binks action next season.