Paula Abdul “American Idol” Finale Farewell Message To Simon Cowell

Paula Abdul and her spiked Coca-Cola cup will return to the American Idol stage for Simon Cowell’s series swan song, insiders tell PEOPLE Magazine.

According to celebrity weekly, former judge Paula Abdul will join the show this week for a “special send-off” to the departing judge. The rumored appearance will be Paula’s first on Idol since leaving the show prior to the start of Season 9.

She was replaced at the judges’ table by TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres last fall.

This week’s two-night season finale — airing Tuesday and Wednesday — will pit Ohio-born single mom Crystal Bowersox against former Chicago paint shop employee Lee DeWyze. The finale will also mark the end of Simon’s tenure as the show’s acid-tongued voice of reason. The Brit is leaving the talent show to launch an American adaptation of his UK talent hit The X Factor.