“Idol” guest judges confirmed

Peter Rice, chairman of entertainment at FOX, confirmed today at TCA that Victoria Beckham and Katy Perry would be guest judges on the next season of American Idol. Rice also addressed the departure of judge Paula Abdul:

“It’s very saddening to us. She was the only member whose contract was up … we very much wanted her to return. We made an offer we feel was very fair; it was a substantial raise. Between now and January we will come up with a replacement for Paula. We’re very sad that she’s not coming back.”

Although there will be a search for a fourth judge, Rice says there is “no thought that any of [the guest judges] will be a long-term judge for us.”