Paula Abdul returns as talent show judge

As part of the "American Idol" franchise, singer/dancer/choreographer Paula Abdul has been considered among the vital cogs of a widely lucrative machinery that has helped discover some of America and the world's biggest pop stars. So when her contract was not renewed by producers, "Idol" fans lamented losing the quirky judge from the panel. To those who care, Abdul-known for her generally glowing (if, in the beginning, rambling) critiques and her self-designed jewelry-will resume her career as reality talent show judge. However, it won't be for a show dealing with any aspiring pop recording artists. It's been reported that Abdul will soon serve as lead judge in a CBS show called "Got to Dance," based on a UK hit series. But more than a judge, Abdul also juggles the caps of executive producer, creative partner, mentor, and coach on the show. Abdul is reportedly expected to take on behind-the-scenes and on-camera responsibilities on the show as well. The show is described as "broadcast's first all-ages, all-genres dance series" that brings together everything from ballroom to break dance, to ballet, tap, and tango. Perhaps those who came up with this description had not been tuning into the truly excellent, if a little underrated (especially compared to the near-silly "Dancing with the Stars"), dance competition called "So You Think You Can Dance," which also successfully highlights a variety of dance genres, even Bollywood. Perhaps the difference between the two shows would lie in the age range of the contestants and the manner by which they would compete. At any rate, and as with most reality TV competitions, "Got to Dance" will have a variety of acts that will compete in front of a panel of judges, with viewer votes determining which 'show favorites' will make it to the semis and the finals. Abdul, during her hiatus from TV, wasn't lacking any offers. In fact, after a Twitter announcement that she won't be back on the "Idol" train that she's been on for eight years, U.S. networks have been throwing an "array of unscripted projects" her way. She was reportedly offered to appear on "Dancing With the Stars," while Fox was reportedly also eyeing Abdul for another singing competition-"Idol" pal Simon Cowell's "The X Factor," slated to debut in 2011. At one point, "So You Think You Can Dance" executive producer and judge, Nigel Lythgoe, was seen reserving a guest seat literally with Abdul's name on it on the show's latest season. Abdul was a no-show. Industry analysts figure ABC will air "Got to Dance" to directly compete against "Idol," whose next season will run for the first time without Cowell. With "Got to Dance," CBS will be the fourth major American network to have a dance-competition series. They join the fray that includes ABC's "Dancing With the Stars," Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance" and NBC's "Got Talent."