Paula Abdul is planning to step down from her duties as a judge on American Idol to develop her own TV project, according to U.S. reports.

Reports circuled earlier this year that TV executives at the helm of the hit talent contest were considering replacing the singer after new judge Kara DioGaurdi signed on for the show's upcoming eighth season.

And according to U.S. magazine Ok!, the 45-year-old - who has featured on the show for seven years - is developing new TV projects and is hoping to "transition" out of the series.

A source tells the magazine, "She knows that every season could be her last. Now she's got a new secret venture that she's really excited about."

Abdul's connection with the show has recently left her "saddened" - after alleged stalker Paula Goodspeed, a failed former Idol contestant, was found dead in her car close to the star's home in Sherman Oaks, California on Tuesday evening. Goodspeed is said to have become obsessed with Abdul after her brief audition on the show in 2006.