Paula Abdul: 'Ugly Betty,' 'Dancing' roles ahead?

By Rick Porter

August 12, 2009 9:35 AM

Paula Abdul is still a free agent, but ABC is starting to close in on a deal -- or deals -- to get the former "American Idol" judge on its airwaves.

Abdul, who has filmed a couple of guest spots on Lifetime's "Drop Dead Diva" this summer, is now in talks to appear on ABC's "Ugly Betty" this season. The network is also courting Abdul to be a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars."

The "Ugly Betty" news comes courtesy of EW.com, which says Abdul is in discussions to play a new temp at the Mode offices. Her character would strike up a friendship with Amanda (Becki Newton).

As for "Dancing with the Stars," TMZ reports that Abdul and ABC Entertainment chief Steve McPherson met Tuesday to discuss her possible involvement on the show. McPherson said last week that he would "love to have" Abdul on the show, either as a participant or a judge -- and given her experience both as a dancer and choreographer and on the "Idol" judging panel, either role could make sense.

If she is going to be a contestant, though, she and ABC need to wrap up a deal quickly: The show will announce this season's contestants on "Good Morning America" on Monday.

Abdul hasn't completely severed her ties to FOX either. Nigel Lythgoe, the former "Idol" producer who now exec produces and judges "So You Think You Can Dance," also wants to speak to her about a role on that show. There have also been reports that Abdul would be open to returning to "American Idol" if FOX opens its checkbook a little wider.

Follow Zap2it on Twitter for the latest TV, movie and celebrity news.

E-mail

in ABC, Dancing with the Stars, TV News, Ugly Betty

Permalink

| Comments (6)

6 Comments

funny how now one cares about kara, everyone loves paula though. your loss FOX!

meow | August 12, 2009 10:19 AM

It is funny Meow! Right now all the Idol news seems to be about Paula leaving. This is a decision that will ultimately come back to bite them in the arse.

As for being a contestant on DWTS i don't think that would be very fair considering her background in choreography. Would give her too big of an edge even though it is basically up to votes as to who stays or goes.

Chuck | August 12, 2009 11:01 AM

Paula should be a judge on DWTS, get rid of karee ann... she adds no value to the show and bruno and lynn seem annoyed by her. paula is ratings gold.

meow | August 12, 2009 11:16 AM

I agree that Paula shouldn't be a contestant on DWTS. She was a pro dancer for god's sake! so bring her on as a guest judge for the season. and see how it goes from there.

i agree no one seems to care about Kara, i certainly don't. she is UBER-annoying. i do agree that letting Paula go will bite Idol in the A$$!

Team Paula | August 12, 2009 12:22 PM

Yeh make her a fulltime judge so she won't return back to AI

RudeBetty | August 12, 2009 2:29 PM

I'm no fan of Paula's, but I'd like to see her replace Samantha Harris as co-host.

Lorie | August 12, 2009 5:07 PM