Paula Abdul finally joined Simon Cowell's new singing competition, "The X Factor," on Sunday, but it's safe to say she's got healthy misgivings.
In the news release on Sunday announcing her joining the judges' panel, she said, "We're goin
g to have a blast." Then she added: "I'm also delighted and grateful to be sitting next to Simon again...but you might want to check back with me in a week or two!"
Abdul left 'American Idol' in the summer of 2009 after reports raged of her unhappiness at being treated disrespectully by Fox, and demanding as much as $20 million to sign a new contract.
Behind the scenes, executives allowed it to be known that Abdul had turned into some kind of diva.
Read also: Paula Abdul Announces 'Idol' Exit-- via Twitter
But that is all apparently in the past. Abdul's playful - and sometimes not that playful - bickering with Cowell became a signature of "American Idol." But Cowell is smart enough to know that it was a big part of the show's appeal.
He's been wooing Abdul in public statements for months, and on Sunday said: "This show would never have been the same without Paula and I can’t believe I am saying this -- I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she’s on the show."
Also read: Steve Jones, Nicole Scherzinger Join 'X Factor'; Will Paula Abdul?
Abdul is the only real household name on the show besides Cowell himself. Just after the news release went out, Abdul giddily tweeted to her 1.9 million followers: "I wanted so much to give you a confirmation sooner... Well here it is right now! :)) xoxoP"
Fox also announced Sunday that Steve Jones (um, who?) and Nicole Scherzinger, a former Pussycat Doll, will also co-host the U.S. version of the British show.
Jones is a British TV personality little known in the U.S., and Scherzinger is a former Pussycat Dolls lead singer and solo artist.
"These two are going to be great together," Cowell said. "I have always wanted Steve to work with us; I think he is a real star. Nicole is fantastic. I loved working with her on the U.K. ‘X Factor’ last year. She is gorgeous and super-talented."
Jones and Scherzinger join previously announced judges Cowell, Cheryl Cole, and Antonio "L.A." Reid. The show debuts in September.
Auditions are ongoing in Dallas and will continue on Thursday.
Here's the full Fox press release.
GRAMMY AND EMMY AWARD WINNER PAULA ABDUL
JOINS CHERYL COLE, ANTONIO “L.A.” REID AND SIMON COWELL
ON “THE X FACTOR” JUDGES PANEL
Auditions Continue in Dallas on Thursday, May 26
Singers and Vocal Groups Age 12 and Over Eligible to Audition
For Chance to Win a $5 Million Syco/Sony Music Recording Contract
America’s sweetheart, world-renowned choreographer and pop icon Paula Abdul will join Cheryl Cole, Antonio “L.A.”
