Paula Abdul
Photo: Lester Cohen/ Getty Images

Long before Paula Abdul was a pop star or an "American Idol" judge, she worked with the Jacksons on their flashy dance moves. While she was still in her teens, she was called upon to choreograph the group's legendary 1984 Victory Tour. At the premiere of "Michael Jackson's This Is It" at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Abdul recalled how much she learned from Michael.

"There were so many memorable moments," she told MTV News. "I was still a [Los Angeles] Laker girl and I was summoned to work with the brothers. I was 18 years old and I got to see entertainment at its finest. [I learned that] you're only as good as the last thing you've done. He was just amazing."

Abdul wasn't the only "Idol" alum to grace the carpet to pay tribute to the late, great pop icon. Adam Lambert, who sang the Jackson classic "Black or White" on the show, was also there and he shared how Jackson's legacy has influenced his own career.

"Michael wasn't afraid of just being himself," Lambert said. "Michael didn't conform to one style of music. He did his own thing. That's the thing that makes me tick."

David Cook also paid homage to Jackson during his time on "Idol," performing "Billie Jean," using ex-Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell's arrangement of the song. "I actually borrowed it from Chris Cornell and, being on the show, you want to do songs people know — and who doesn't know Michael Jackson?" Cook said. "It's incredible to be here to honor Michael Jackson."

• 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Premiere Special

• 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Premieres In Los Angeles

• Michael Jackson
• Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul
Photo: MTV News

Ever since Paula Abdul announced her "American Idol" departure in August, headlines have attached the star to nearly every reality competition out there, including "Dancing With the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance." But it appears Paula is holding out for a judging gig on a rumored American version of Simon Cowell's "X Factor."

When we caught up with the dancer-turned-singer-turned-reality superstar at the American Music Awards nominations press conference, Paula expressed frustration that she can't get a straight answer from her former "Idol" cohort.

"When I call Simon, he's just laughing on the phone. 'When the time is right I'll tell you, but I'm not ... confirming nor denying it,' " Abdul told MTV News, in her best British accent.

Abdul was hoping a recent trip to the set of the U.K.'s "X Factor" set would provide clues about her potential involvement with the show, but alas, she returned to America just as exasperated. "I just came back from London! You'd think I'd get further clarification," she said. "No. Nothing. I got zip! Nada."

Until she gets the official word, Abdul will just have to continue playing dumb to the press. "This is the look of a deer caught in headlines, which has been [me] the past week and a half. ... It would have been nice if the ['X Factor'] rumor was told to me. But I find that I am the last person to hear things," she smiled.

In the meantime, Abdul continues to toil away on a new album, although given the unpredictable nature of her career these past several months, Paula admitted it will come out "a little later than anticipated." But the superstar hinted at big plans for whenever it does end up in stores. "Skat Kat is coming out of retirement," Abdul said of her partner for the "Opposites Attract" video. "He's bugged me long enough, and I'm letting him come back — in a different way, with an artist guesting as Skat Kat."

Might we suggest a "Search for the Next Skat Kat" reality show?

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• Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul parodies Ellen DeGeneres at the VH1 Divas show on Thursday
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

Halfway through Paula Abdul's hosting duties on Thursday night's "VH1 Divas" — her first prime-time gig since leaving "American Idol" — the former pop hitmaker staged an amusing send-up of Ellen DeGeneres, who's about to replace her on "Idol."

Strutting down the aisle at the Howard Gilman Opera House at the Brooklyn Academy of Music to the tune of Pink's "Get the Party Started," Abdul donned an Ellen-esque short blond wig and mimicked the comedian's well-known entrances on her syndicated talk show. Paula had no doubt been studying up on Ellen's dance moves, because she nailed 'em all as she made her way onto the stage.

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Once there, Abdul was greeted by a talk-show-style set of two oversize chairs and a coffee table. The host plopped onto one of the chairs, threw her legs over one said and said, "Why are you all staring at me? Can't a girl try out a new job?"

She then got up and turned slightly serious. "All kidding aside, nothing but love, Ellen," she said. "I wish you the best of luck and congratulations on the new gig! And you've got to call me if you have any Simon [Cowell] problems, because I know him best."

It was the funniest moment in an evening packed with a range of musical performances. Miley Cyrus sang alongside Sheryl Crow, Kelly Clarkson teamed up with Melissa Etheridge, and Jennifer Hudson stood by Stevie Wonder as he played piano and they traded lyrics on "All in Love Is Fair."

If you missed "VH1 Divas" on Thursday night, don't fret: Tune in to VH1 on Friday (September 18) at 7 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m. or Sunday at 1 p.m. to see the Divas in action.

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• Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul
Photo: Ray Tamarra/ Getty Images

When Ellen DeGeneres was announced as the new "American Idol" judge on Wednesday, fans were up in the air and Randy Jackson was pumped — but what did Paula Abdul think about the news?

The original "Idol" judge, who made an abrupt exit from the show last month, had nothing but kind words for her replacement.

" 'American Idol' is a fantastic show that offers an invaluable platform to young talent," Abdul said in a statement Thursday (September 10). "Ellen DeGeneres is wildly funny and talented in her own right. I wish her and the show only the best of luck."

Abdul also took to her Twitter to congratulate DeGeneres on her new gig. "I think Ellen will b a gr8 judge on Idol," she tweeted. "She is wildly funny, talented and I wish her the best of luck!"

Since leaving the show, Abdul has announced a hosting gig for "VH1 Divas" on September 17 and a guest-starring role on Lifetime's "Drop Dead Diva." She also has said she's considering a talk show.

DeGeneres called in to Ryan Seacrest's radio show Thursday to address some of the controversy surrounding her addition to the show. The talk-show host and comedian was especially concerned about what her predecessor thought of the move.

"Paula was a huge part of the show, and that's a role that needs to be filled by someone in a totally different way," DeGeneres told Seacrest. "I hope Paula's OK with it. I don't want anyone to think I took Paula's job away."

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• Paula Abdul: A Photo Timeline

• Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images

We've heard from Paula Abdul's manager, the show-runners for "American Idol" and friends and fans of the former "Idol" judge. But except for the Tweet Heard 'Round the World earlier this month announcing her departure from "Idol," the world had not actually heard from Abdul herself — until Monday (August 31).

"You know, to say 'no regrets' isn't easy," Abdul told TV Guide about leaving her longtime home at "Idol" over a salary dispute. "I feel like I have been such a big, huge part of the success of the show from day one. I loved being able to be the artist's artist; being there from my point of view of knowing what it feels like to be vulnerable and to be out there wanting to achieve the most magical moment in a minute and 30 seconds. To be able to do that was an amazing experience, and the show was wonderful for me in that regard."

While Abdul would not discuss the specifics behind why she left the show, after being reminded that frequent tormentor/ friend/ fellow judge Simon Cowell said last April he would never want to do the show without Abdul, the choreographer/singer said, "I had to stand on my principle. ... I'm going to miss them. And I'm going to miss the experience of watching young talent evolve into a place where they get to take off and soar." Abdul said she still speaks to Cowell and some of the past contestants and that she'll watch the upcoming season — which kicks off in January — "as much as I can."

But when asked if there's anything "Idol" producers could do to get her back on the show, Abdul said, "That's a hard question to answer right now. I mean, I don't think I can answer that right now." She denied, however, that the dispute that led to her departure was just about money. "I stand on principle where many people stand on money," said Abdul, who was reportedly looking for a bump up to around $10 million a year from $2 million or $3 million. "I'm a hardworking artist. I've lasted in this business for 23 years. And you can't do that unless you are good at what you do. I believe in myself, and you have to have your own self-respect. And sometimes decisions are very difficult to make, but I've always believed that at the core, I'm a survivor. There's not one thing I've done that I've really set my mind to that I've failed at." Although we know she will host "VH1 Divas" on September 17, Abdul's manager has not returned repeated calls from MTV News requesting information on what else is next for her.

What might be next for Abdul is a talk show, which she promised would be "different," though she avoided specifics since no deal has been signed yet. "I'd be Paula," she promised. "It would be a lot of fun variety with a ton of unexpected stuff and tributes to everyday people getting their big chance." Abdul also (kind of) clarified why one gig, a guest-starring role on "Ugly Betty" that was announced shortly after the "Idol" news broke, fell through. She said the spot was announced before her managers knew about it, but she'd love to give it another shot "when the time is right."

One thing Abdul is definitely doing is a two-episode arc on Lifetime's "Drop Dead Diva," the series about a dead model whose soul comes back inside the body of a plus-size lawyer. In a bit of a stretch, she will play a fantasy version of herself, "Judge Paula Abdul," in what she described as a scenario similar to what she did on "Idol," i.e. rooting on another character to go for it.

"There's a similarity to what I did [on 'Idol'] but expands it to everything I want to do," she explained of the two-episode stint that airs September 13 and October 11. "It's really tongue-in-cheek and allows me to just go for it. When I saw the pilot, I'd never gone through such a full gamut of emotions — from feeling sad for someone and then feeling so thrilled for them, and in between that there's hysterical writing. It's such a charmed show that when I saw it I said, 'I'm in!' "

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• Paula Abdul: A Photo Timeline

• Paula Abdul

Colbie Caillat
Photo: MTV News

Perhaps working on her new album Breakthrough with Kara DioGuardi means Colbie Caillat has some sort of insider scoop on what's happening with the judging musical chairs on "American Idol." Or maybe it's just wishful thinking on Caillat's part.

"I'm not sure that Paula's really leaving," she told MTV News of Abdul's surprise exit from the show earlier this month. "I know everyone's saying that."

The singer/songwriter said she thinks Abdul played an important role on the show by helping the contestants build up confidence when they needed it most. "Paula may have been too nice to them, but she also would tell them the great things about them," Caillat said. "And people need that when their hearts are being shattered. They need that little boost of confidence."

But Caillat is also a big fan of DioGuardi's judging on the show. "I, of course, watched last season, 'cause she was on it, and I think she's amazing. She really tells people how it is," she said. "She'll be nice to them and tell them the good things, the good qualities about them, but then she'll be real with them. And I think that people need that."

So with a slew of celebrities like Mary J. Blige, Katy Perry and Joe Jonas joining Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell and DioGuardi at the judges' table, would Caillat be down for a guest-judging gig? "I would totally guest judge," she said. "For sure."

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

• Colbie Caillat
• Paula Abdul

Jordin Sparks
Photo: MTV News

Jordin Sparks will be joining previously announced divas Miley Cyrus, Adele, Kelly Clarkson and Leona Lewis at the revamped VH1 Divas concert September 17. Sparks said she would love the opportunity to put her own spin on Cyrus' "Party in the U.S.A." for the show.

"You know what? I would take 'Party in the U.S.A.' in a second," she told MTV News. "I would take it in a heartbeat. I love that song."

The "American Idol" champ said she'll be singing a hit or two of her own for the show and would love the chance to collaborate onstage with one of the newbie divas or even an established diva, including her three favorite: Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Christina Aguilera.

"I think it would be really cool if we all could sing a song together. I know the moment I try and out-sing somebody else, I will sound horrible," she joked. "I was hoping that I could sing with somebody as well. I named a few people like Mariah [Carey] and Whitney [Houston], but that's probably not going to happen.

"I'm so stoked," she continued. "I remember hearing about the Divas shows and watching them when I could, but I usually had to go to sleep when I was in school so I couldn't usually watch them. ... I'm so excited. It's going to be so much fun."

The night will also reunite the singer with former "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul, who will be the night's host. Sparks is definitely looking forward to sharing the stage with Abdul again. "I'm so excited to see her. I can't wait to give her a huge hug," she said. "I love Paula."

• Jordin Sparks
• Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul
Photo: Ray Tamarra/ Getty Images

After negotiations with "Dancing With the Stars" and "Ugly Betty" fell through, Paula Abdul has finally booked her first major post-"American Idol" gig. And it's the perfect fit. The Grammy-winning singer will host the September 17 "VH1 Divas" show, which is slated to feature performances by Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Adele, Leona Lewis and Jordin Sparks.

Abdul announced the deal on Monday on her official Twitter feed, telling fans, "Hi guys! im really excited 2 announce ill b hosting this year's "VH1 Divas"! The show will be live on Sept 17th @ 9 pm EST."

After a four-year hiatus, the show is returning with a fresh-faced lineup of contemporary hitmakers, who join the list of legends who have graced the Divas stage since the event began in 1998, including Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston and Beyoncé. Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

The Abdul announcement comes less than a week after the former "Idol" judge's manager told the Los Angeles Times that contrary to reports, Abdul was not holding out for a possible return to "Idol." Manager David Sonenberg told the paper that Abdul was in talks with all the major networks about possible shows and that fans may see her returning in any of a number of different guises, from executive producer to star or host.

Abdul shocked fans of "Idol" on August 4 when she announced her sudden departure from the show via Twitter. So far, producers have announced that her seat will be filled by a rotating series of guest judges, including Joe Jonas, Katy Perry, Mary J. Blige and Victoria Beckham.

• Paula Abdul: A Photo Timeline

• Paula Abdul

Perez Hilton
Photo: MTV News

Will she or won't she? Since the announcement of Paula Abdul's departure, "American Idol" fans have speculated that the former judge might return to the show at some point, despite her manager refuting the rumors. But Perez Hilton is staying positive.

Hilton recently spoke to MTV News and, in addition to angling for a spot in the guest-judge chair, he said he thinks that Abdul will return. "I definitely think that Paula will be back on the show by the time the live broadcast begins," he said.

He added that even though Abdul might be weighing other options, he thinks that returning to the show is still in the foreground. "Between now and then, Paula will swallow her pride," he said. "And agree to a pay raise, but not as much as she wanted."

Until then, there are a number of celebrities who will try their best to be the next Paula Abdul — and Hilton isn't impressed by the list. When it comes to the majority of the guest judges — which include Joe Jonas, Mary J. Blige, Victoria Beckham and Shania Twain — he said they don't have enough of an "it" factor to make it work, especially the woman formerly known as Posh Spice.

One person he is rooting for is his friend and "Idol" guest judge Katy Perry. "I think Katy would have fun with it," he said. "I think Katy would be the only one who gets it, really, and have fun with it and give honest feedback, because she's lived it."

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

• Paula Abdul: A Photo Timeline

• Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul
Photo: James Devaney/WireImage

Despite what you might have read, Paula Abdul's manager says she is not sitting around waiting for "American Idol" to call her back with a new offer. Speaking for the first time since Abdul announced her departure from the show on August 4, manager David Sonenberg told the Los Angeles Times that "Idol" is not part of his client's plans for the future.

Though several reports have surfaced about Abdul's possible return to the show later in the year — and even some speculation from "Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson that the whole thing is a just manufactured drama — Sonenberg said there have been "no discussions whatsoever about 'Idol.' " He would never "count anything out," he said, but right now Abdul's priorities are on other projects.

Sonenberg was light on details, but he told the paper that offers have been coming at Abdul from every direction, because of her appeal as "the kind of person who is pulling for you."

"You can always tell when someone is really interested in you and not just going through the motions ... that's clear with Paula," he said. "She's the kind of person who could be your best friend and mentor because she truly cares. ... When you look at the 'Idol' situation, it was clear she cared about those kids, it was clear she wanted them to feel safe."

So far, "Idol" has moved forward by having Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain and Joe Jonas fill in as guest judges during the show's audition rounds. Sonenberg threw cold water on recent reports that Fox had not yet ruled out Abdul's return and the story in RadarOnline.com that the network was holding focus groups to see if viewers liked the new celebrity guest judges. A spokesperson for "Idol" could not be reached for comment on the Radar story at press time, and Sonenberg has not returned several requests from MTV News for interviews.

While Sonenberg told the Times that Abdul has cast her net widely, a few gigs have already fallen by the wayside. A deal to guest-star on "Ugly Betty" reportedly fell apart after details were leaked before a deal was signed, and a stint on "Dancing With the Stars" also didn't come to pass. Another gig Sonenberg said Abdul is not taking is the one offered by former "Idol" producer and current "So You Think You Can Dance" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, who has said he'd love to have Abdul be a guest judge on the Fox show.

"I can tell you her focus right now is speaking to all the other networks," Sonenberg explained. "The only one we haven't talked to, because of recent events, is Fox. ... But perhaps we would be speaking to Fox about shows in the near future."

The choreographer/singer feels "fabulous" and "free" at the moment, her manager said, and she's happy to step away from what he described as her "Idol" typecasting.

"She was kind of restricted from doing anything she wanted to do, and now she's free to decide," he said. He added that the major networks — with the exception of Fox — independent cable channels, major corporations and live entertainment businesses have come knocking, and there are also options for book deals, clothing lines and cosmetic brands.

"It's clear she's got an enormous number of fans — people want her to be on ['Idol'], or any other show," Sonenberg said. "She's got to deliver the goods, but assuming she does, she's got an audience who's prepared to listen."

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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