Paula Abdul

She's currently among the nation's unemployed, but Paula Abdul says that won't remain the case for long.

"I will definitely be returning to television," the ousted X Factor judge told reporters this week while promoting FemBody Nutrition, a line of nutritional supplements available at GNC. "I am in the middle of many network meetings, and I'm being pitched a whole bunch of different ideas."

Abdul says she has no hard feelings toward Simon Cowell, or anyone in general. The former Los Angeles Lakers Girl and hit singer appears to be in a positive place, saying:

"Right now life is good, and I never worry about reinvention. I think it's the most exciting thing to do."

Fair enough. But let's plan Paula's future for her, shall we? What do you think should be her next professional move?

Yes, Paula Abdul really is out of The X Factor.

While no one doubted the veracity of this morning's report - which detailed the ousting of Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and Steve Jones - the singer herself had not spoken out about the decision until now.

"I’ve learned through my longevity in this industry that business decisions often times override personal considerations," Paula said in a statement. "Simon and I, along with Fox and [producers] Fremantle, have been communicating about this for a while now, and I have absolute understanding of the situation.

"Simon is, and will remain a dear friend of mine and I’ve treasured my experience working this past season with my extended family at Fox and Fremantle. I want nothing more than for The X Factor to exceed ALL of their wildest dreams. This truly has been a blessing and I am most grateful.”

Simon Cowell was not kidding about major changes coming to The X Factor.

With Steve Jones officially out as host - the Brit Tweeted the news himself - new reports indicate that neither Paula Abdul nor Nicole Scherzinger will return for season two.

"At this point, the only ones staying are Simon and L.A. Reid," an insider tells E! News. "Simon wants to take the show in a different direction."

We can only hope that direction involves fewer contrived fights between judges and more of a focus on the singers themselves.

Producer Nigel Lythgoe was apparently taken aback by this development, Tweeting late last night: "Shocked to see Simon has fired Paula Abdul, Nicole and Steve from the X-Factor."

Straight up, Jeff Bratton is telling us what went down with her and long-time boyfriend Paula Abdul.

Paula and I split in November," the record label owner tells People. "It was an amicable thing. But between the final months of X Factor and my responsibilities with [my label] Cascine, there was little time for us."

Abdul met Britton on a flight early last year and split time with him between her home in Los Angeles and his in New York.

The latter says he and the reality show judge remain "close" and "I'll always be grateful for the time we shared as a couple."

[Photo: WENN.com]

It wasn't all an act, Simon Cowell told Barbara Walters on her Most Fascinating People of 2011 special last night. He truly didn't like Paula Abdul when the two first worked together.

"The truth was on the first two seasons, we couldn't' travel on the same plane together," Cowell said during his ABC interview. "We really disliked each other that much."

But things soon changed for the better, Simon says. For the much, much, nearly naked better!

Cowell said he's "a million percent" sure that Abdul wanted him back in the day. Did he consider critiquing her performance... in bed?!?

Yes, "but then I thought... I don't think the after would be as good as the before," he said. "I'd let her stay for a few hours, but then it would have to be good night."

Did Simon make the right choice? Would YOU sleep with Paula Abdul?

Drew Ryniewicz was eliminated from The X Factor on Thursday night, a result that left Simon Cowell clearly angry at his fellow panelists for voting off one of his charges.

But Simon's wrath is nothing compared to the words left for Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger by fans of Ryniewicz on Facebook.

Drew Ryniewicz - Billie Jean

Among the passionate, frightening, misguided messages posted by Drew supporters over the last few days:

• "F**K you paula you dumb c**t you voted off the most talented person on your f**king show. i hope you die you DUMB B***H."
• "I hope you die, you selfish----------"
• "@NicoleScherzy @paulaabdul go die"

These folks would be well-served to heed the words of Drew herself in this interview: she made it all the way to the final seven. That's pretty darn impressive, and she has many bright years ahead of her. Chill, people.

In the latest issue of Emmy Magazine, Paula Abdul looks behind and she looks ahead.

Asked about Michael Jackson, for instance, the singer/dancer/reality show judge says: “I miss Michael so much. I still can’t believe he’s gone, and I still find myself speaking of him as if he’s alive.”

Abdul also finds herself at the center of what Fox hopes will be its next ratings-dominating phenomenon. What is Paula's take on The X Factor?

Paula Abdul has found a new man.

Sources tell Life & Style they spotted The X-Factor judge and Jeff Bratton at the airport in Los Angeles yesterday, as the record executive had his arm around the singer.

The two were also spotted together on June 10 at dinner in New York's Indochine restaurant.

"They sat in a booth with a guy friend," an onlooker says. "It was a mellow low-key dinner, and they were attentive to each other."

Abdul and Bratton got close when she helped him out with Shine 2009, a band on his label. Paula will return to our lives on Fox this fall.

Paula Abdul is officially back.

It took a last-second deal, but the former American Idol judge will rejoin Simon Cowell this fall on Fox, helping to judge The X-Factor. She just released her first statement on the gig:

"I am excited beyond words to be a part of The X Factor. I couldn't be happier to bring my love for cultivating talent and performance to such a wildly anticipated show... 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!"

The X-Factor kicked off auditions in Los Angeles on Sunday, with Simon and Paula looking as cozy as ever. The former is psyched to be reunited with his friend and co-worker. Said Cowell:

"This show would never have been the same without Paula and I can't believe I am saying this, [but] I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she's on the show."

[Photo: WENN.com]

It looks like Simon Cowell has fulfilled his dream judging panel for The X-Factor.

With producer L.A. Reid already on board, Deadline Hollywood reports that Paula Abdul and Cheryl Cole are nearing deals to finalize their roles on the upcoming singing competition.

Both have worked with Cowell in the past; Abdul on American Idol and Cole on the British version of The X-Factor.

“I’ve always wanted Paula," Simon told the publication. "I’ve never found anyone better than her... We’ve agreed that we would meet as many people as possible, and now we’re reaching the deadline we’ve got to make the decision soon. But I think she’s got a really good shot.”

As for Cole? “Shes a great judge. She’s smart... If people take to her like the British public did, I think she’s going to do really well in America. And Fox was desperate to hire her."

Well, yeah. The X-Factor champion will receive $5 million, along with the chance to ogle Cole for numerous weeks on the show.