Paula Abdul Talks New Dance Show, “Idol” Judges

Paula Abdul, a former original member of the "American Idol" judges' panel, left the hit FOX reality singing competition in 2008 after a rumored salary dispute. However, the singer turned producer harbors no ill will toward the show which she helped launch, and now she's sharing her thoughts on the show's new judges and her old sparring partner, Simon Cowell.

"I'm a big fan of ["American Idol], and I always will be a big fan," Paula told Access on Thursday, at a junket for her new CBS show, "Live to Dance." I'm very grateful for the amazing time that I spent on that show."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Lee's Big Night & Simon's Goodbye: 'American Idol' Season 9 Finale!

Paula is still in contact with her "Idol" friend, Simon Cowell, who celebrated his 51st birthday last week.

"He looks very good for being 70," she joked. "Very good!"

VIEW THE PHOTOS: The Verdict Is In! Judges Of Reality Television

As for "Idol's" new judges, rocker Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, and singer/dancer/actress Jennifer Lopez, Paula says that even if they only experience a percentage of the good times she experienced, they're in for an incredible adventure.

"I wish nothing but success for Steven and J.Lo and I'm really proud and happy that Randy [Jackson] is at the helm," she told Access. "This is [Randy's] show now and he gets to kind of be the voice.

"I hope [the new judges] have half the experience that I had, because it was wonderful," she added.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'Straight Up' Photos Of Paula Abdul!

Paula is a "big fan" of talent shows and describes them as "brilliant avenues" for discovering new talent.

"There's never a shortage of raw untapped talent out there," she said. "You just have to go out and find it."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Anything But Dreadful! Hot Shots Of Simon Cowell!

Paula will wear multiple hats when her CBS dance competition debuts next year. The "Straight Up" singer will act as creative partner, executive producer and "lead expert" on a panel of experts that also includes Travis Payne (who choreographed Michael Jackson's "This Is It" production, as well as Lady Gaga's Monster Ball Tour), and former Pussycat Doll singer-dancer Kimberly Wyatt.

"We're going to be a kick-ass team that's going to help mentor these amazing acts that range from 5-year-olds to 105-year-olds," Paula told Access.

"Live to Dance" is slated to premiere in January on CBS.

Copyright 2010 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:

PLAY IT NOW: Dish Of Salt: Nigel Lythgoe Talks 'Idol' Return, Paula Abdul Latest
PLAY IT NOW: Paula Abdul Talks New Judges On Season 10 Of 'American Idol'

More from Access: [ Paula Abdul American Idol Randy Jackson ]

Copyright NBCAH - Access Hollywood
Contact Us