Paula Abdul is leaving “American Idol” after eight seasons of damaging the show’s credibility while simultaneously helping its popularity, a fascinating accomplishment.

Her departure, which she announced Tuesday night via Twitter, is the best worst thing that could happen to America’s most-popular television show. It will leave the show forever changed, either sending it quickly toward its inevitable end in a few seasons, or jump-starting a new era in which it refocuses on music instead of personality.

Back in 2002, when “American Idol” debuted, Paula Abdul was brought on board for her 1980s pop-star background, to bring the program both credibility and name recognition.

Today, seven years later, she’s defined a reality competition judging archetype, the supportive mentor, although no one has come close to offering her brand of emotional and genuine but also odd concern for contestants.

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