‘AMERICAN Idol” fans have launched a “Keep Paula” campaign on Twitter and “Idol” message boards in the wake of reports that Abdul might not return.

Abdul’s $5 million-a-year contract expires next month; last weekend, her manager told the LA Times, “It does not appear that she’s going to be back” — a statement seen by some as a negotiating tactic.

Abdul thanked her fans on her Twitter page.

“If it weren’t for you, this specific time and situation would feel a lot worse!” she wrote, signing off with “xoP.”