Paula Abdul Joins Simon Cowell On ‘X-Factor’ Judging Panel

Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul are reuniting, this time as judges on Cowell’s The X Factor which will debut later in the year.

Abdul has long been a favorite to join Cowell on the new shows judging panel, however sources close to negotiations say she waited until the eve of the show’s first taping to complete contract talks.

At this time reps for Paula are not commenting and FOX, the network behind the show, have refused to comment on Abdul’s return to their network as a judge.

When questioned about her relationship with CBS and any ties that could have been holding up talks at FOX a CBS rep speaking on the condition of anonymity announced on Saturday that she was not tied to the network in any way.

Abdul will begin work immediately, showing up for Sunday’s taping in Los Angeles when judges will begin to weed out competitors for the show which will feature a $5 million prize and a recording contract, the largest single prize in game show history.

Judges already announced for the show include producer Antonio “L.A.” Reid and British pop superstar Cheryl Cole.

Co-Hosting the show will be British TV personality Steve Jones and Pussy Cat Dolls frontwoman Nicole Scherzinger.

Contests 12-years-old and up are allowed to audition and the show will feature both solo artists and groups.