AceShowbiz -

While Paula Abdul's return to "American Idol" is still hanging on a balance, the deal with fellow judge Kara DioGuardi is working out. The fourth judge, who was only added last season, will be back for another round although her deal is not as fulfilling as the other judges' and host Ryan Seacrest's.

"Her deal is done. There are no ifs, ands or buts," a source told E! Online. "Done. She will be back." Kara's rep is still quiet about the report but she is expected to shoot for the auditions in two weeks time. The ninth season meanwhile, is scheduled to begin in early 2010.

On the downside, Paula reportedly has not reached a deal with the producers to reprise her role. "There's an offer on the table, but it's not one that Paula is happy with," said a source close to the singer. "She sees the big money Ryan Seacrest got, she knows that Simon is close to a huge deal, too. She feels like it's personal that she's not getting the same big numbers."

Standing behind Paula is former Idol champion Jordin Sparks who told MTV, "Knowing all the stress and what you deal with mentally, Paula was always the one to soften the blow. If she's not there, I think, for the contestants, it will be a lot more stressful than usual."