Paula Abdul may hold up the show on 'The X Factor' with last-minute contract talks

Paula Abdul can always be relied on to keep things interesting -- which may be why Simon Cowell wants her for the final judging spot on Fox's "The X Factor."

On Sunday, the judges for Cowell's singing competition will gather near downtown Los Angeles for the first taping of auditions. Cowell will be there along with fellow judges L.A. Reid and Cheryl Cole. The only problem? Abdul, who was in final negotiations to come aboard as the fourth judge, was holding out on signing her deal and, two sources familiar with the situation said, was in jeopardy of not showing up at all.

However, by late Saturday afternoon, the Associated Press was reporting that Abdul had finally signed and would show up to work Sunday as planned. But a source close to the show said that report was mere speculation and that in fact, Abdul had still not signed.

"I'm sure she will sign," one talent representative connected to the show said, adding that the delay amounted to "Paula being Paula." 

As any fan of "American Idol" knows, Abdul has a long history of wacky behavior; one constant during her time on "Idol" was trying to guess what prompted her on-the-air outbursts of tears and often-incomprehensible comments. She finally exited the show two seasons ago after failing to extract more money from the producers and then suffered a notable flop with her CBS show, "Live to Dance." Cowell has spoken warmly of her, however, and long made it clear he wanted to work with her again.

Trackers, what do you think of Abdul? Will she be a positive for "X Factor"?

RELATED:

L.A. Reid chosen as 'X Factor' judge

Cheryl Cole signs on for 'X Factor'

-Scott Collins (twitter.com/scottcollinsLAT)

Photo: Paula Abdul at the White House Correspondents dinner late last month. Credit: Chris Kleponis / AFP/Getty Images.

Comments

[culturecritic1]

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[Joe]

Yes, she should sign on. They need a big name, especially now that they are taking on Cheryl Cole who isn't known in America. They need Paula since they are launching a huge show and the only other big name is Simon Cowell. Also, they need that Simon/Paula chemistry.

[Louis]

I would rather they hadn't hired Paula, her wacky behavior might suppose a big risk for the show. And she's not a big name, the show doesn't need her, I was expecting someone like Mariah Carey.

[Jack Scribe]

Paula is being Paula and Simon's got the big bucks. I suspect this is staged drama...and we're being sucked into a P.R. stunt. X-Factor will work if the talent is compelling.

[PadrePete]

that's "a positive" YES! and thanks for that close-up (print more in the future). paula is still one hot looking babe. she will likely only add her countless numbers of fans and followers to the "X".
cowell knows what he's doing!

[Si]

They're smart to persist with Paula. Simon Cowell is a success spotter and must obviously recognize that the media and viewer bonanza surrounding the duo's participating together will carry the show, where it may not have achieved the same success otherwise.

I may even tune in myself!

[4right]

@Louis you sound too young to post on here. Paula was choreographer that changed USC's cheer leaders, she's made many videos and choreographed many others. She is a BIG NAME in the entertainment world.

[Lassie]

Excuse me? That has-been is a 'big name'? I think she is lucky to be offered any. job. at. all. much less try to attract attention by playing hard-to-get.