American Idol judge Paula Abdul has quit the top-rated U.S. talent show after eight seasons. (Chris Pizzello/Associated Press) Paula Abdul, who quit the talent show American Idol, appears to be in talks to join a rival reality show, So You Think You Can Dance.
Nigel Lythgoe, producer of the show, confirmed with Variety that he met with the 47-year-old dancer and singer just days after she announced her decision to quit Idol.
Lythgoe, who also sits as a dance judge on the show, said Adbul was eminently qualified because of her "experience of being a dancer, of being a choreographer and of being a judge."
Abdul was once a cheerleader for the LA Lakers and went on to choreograph for Janet and Michael Jackson. She had a dalliance with pop stardom in the late 1980s with songs such as Straight Up and Opposites Attract.
Abdul announced last Tuesday she was leaving Idol after eight seasons because of a standoff in contract talks with Fox and the show's producers.
Fox announced that Kara DioGuardi would return for a second season on the American Idol judging panel that includes Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. As well, Katy Perry and ex-Spice Girl Victoria Beckham will appear as guest judges.
Fox indicated neither Perry nor Beckham were being considered as permanent replacements for Abdul.
Executives say they intend to find a permanent replacement before January, when the live element of the show starts airing.
Abdul may have more than one attractive offer on the table.
ABC programming chief Stephen McPherson told the Television Critics Association on Saturday that he's contacted Abdul, whom he called an old friend.
McPherson said he'd love to sign her to his network, home of Dancing with the Stars.
With files from The Associated PressShare Tools
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