Talk about bouncing back. Former American Idol judge Paula Abdul is in final talks to headline a new version of Star Search for ABC.
The exact nature of the 47-year-old’s involvement with the singing competition isn’t clear yet, but according to EW.com it will probably be a mix of hosting and judging and is slated for this summer.
The deal would be a long time coming for Abdul and the Alphabet network – ABC has been trying to set something up with the singer and choreographer since last summer, when she announced she was leaving Fox’s hit singing competition.
In January, we reported that Abdul’s fellow Idol judge, Simon Cowell, was intent on wooing her to his new project, a U.S. version of his U.K. smash The X Factor, which will hit Fox in the fall of 2011.
Details are murky as to whether Abdul’s duties with Star Search would prevent her from joining The X Factor.
Also in January, we reported that ABC offered Abdul $1 million development deal, which hinged on her signing on to Dancing With the Stars, but it fell through.
Star Search aired with Ed McMahon as host from 1983 to 1995 in syndication. It was revived by CBS in 2003 with Arsenio Hall as host, but was cancelled the following year.
The original sought stars in categories including male vocalist, female vocalist, junior vocalist and vocal group, as well as spokesmodel, comedy and dance.
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