American Idol bosses will look for a permanent fourth judge to join the show by January, following Paula Abdul’s departure earlier this week.

The 47 year old announced she had quit the show on Tuesday, sparking speculation over who will replace her.

Since the news broke, TV heads have announced stars including Victoria Beckham and Katy Perry will have guest slots on the judging panel throughout the audition process.

Now Fox chairman, Peter Rice, has revealed they are searching for an official fourth judge to take over full time – but they’re struggling to find someone suitable.

He says, "There is going to be a search. We love Paula. She’s been a really wonderful part of the show for eight years. There is going to be a change and that change we have to look at that as being a positive change. It wasn’t a decision we made, but we have to look at it in a positive way.

"We’ll have these guest judges do one week each during the audition (period)… there is no thought right now that any of these judges will be long term judge for us. All of the people we are talking to have successful careers. I don’t even think they’d be available to judge full-time. We have now until January to introduce a new energy to the panel."

Courtesy of – WENN