UPDATE II: Breathe a sigh of relief, old school "American Idol" fans. Both Deadline's Nikke Finke and The Hollywood Reporter report that, after frantic, last minute contract drama, Paula Abdul has signed on the dotted line and will join Simon Cowell, LA Reid and Cheryl Cole as a judge on "The X Factor."
Hope she got some sleep; televised auditions start on Sunday.
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UPDATE: According to The Hollywood Reporter, there's some major drama going on in regards to Abdul's contract with the show. She's been released from her "Live to Dance" CBS contract, but still hasn't agreed to terms with "The X Factor." Nonetheless, Cowell wants her on hand for Sunday's first audition show, but one insider told Deadline that there's not a chance her agents would let her go without a done deal. Time is ticking down for a contract.
THR also reports drama over the show's host casting. Click over to read all about the behind-the-scenes soap opera taking place at "The X Factor."
PREVIOUSLY (AP TEXT):
NEW YORK -- A person familiar with negotiations for "The X Factor" says Paula Abdul will be the fourth judge on the new Fox singing competition.
Abdul will be on hand for Sunday's taping of the first judging session in Los Angeles, according to a person familiar with the talks. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because Fox and the show's producers had not authorized public comment.
Widely expected, Abdul's participation reunites her with fellow judge Simon Cowell, her former sparring partner on the "American Idol" judging panel.
Previously announced judges include British pop superstar Cheryl Cole and Grammy-winning producer Antonio "L.A." Reid.
"The X Factor" is open to solo singers and vocal groups age 12 and up. It premieres on Fox this fall.
Widely expected, Abdul's participation reunites her with fellow judge Simon Cowell, her former sparring partner on the "American Idol" judging panel.
Previously announced judges include British pop superstar Cheryl Cole and Grammy-winning producer Antonio "L.A." Reid.
"The X Factor" is open to solo singers and vocal groups age 12 and up. It premieres on Fox this fall.