As "Idol" moved into the doldrums of another lackluster week of performances, certain corners of the press began running a number of anonymously sourced reports from "insiders" claiming that the show is reaching out to Paula to fill some capacity on the show next season.
 
Would Paula replace the departing Simon Cowell? Would she take a fifth judging chair alongside an unspecified Simon replacement? None of the reports at any details.
 
In a conference call with reporters, though, "Idol" executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz didn't hesitate or hedge in responding to the reports:
 
"There's no truth to that rumor" Frot-Coutaz said. "I don't have any other comment."
 
We'll take her at her word until we hear otherwise.