FOX and "Idol" producers 19 Entertainment and Fremantle Media made the announcement late Friday afternoon (Aug. 12) -- six days before auditions for the next season of the top-rated show begin.

"We have determined, based on the findings of this thorough and detailed inquiry, that there is insufficient evidence that the communications between Mr. Clark and Ms. Abdul in any way aided his performance," a statement from FOX and the producers reads. "Further, we are confident that none of these communications had any impact on the outcome of the competition.