What now for Paula Abdul?

What now for Paula Abdul? You have to wonder. The singer/dancer/choreographer has really been in her element -- if that's the right word -- as the sympathetic American Idol judge. Since Paula Abdul tweeted last night that she will not be returning to American Idol, you have to wonder if she's going to disappear into oblivion or find a new career to glom onto at this point in her life?

Oh yes, she still has her jewelry, so she'll be on the air on HSN. But you know that Bravo isn't welcoming her back for more of the reality train wreck that was Hey, Paula.

Paula, I'm afraid, severely miscalculated this career move. She had it good on American Idol. She had a niche and visibility and, if reports are correct, she was being offered about $5 million a year (for three years). She wanted more. She wanted as much as Ryan Seacrest is getting, which is $10 million starting in 2010. I don't think Seacrest is more valuable than Abdul, but I can understand why the producers had to draw the line somewhere. I'm sure from Paula's point of view, she's worth more than Ryan. In my estimation, the only one irreplaceable is Simon Cowell, and he's paid a princely sum because of it.

So what's next for Paula? Where will she land? I think there might be openings for her to judge on other shows -- they could add a chair to Dancing With the Stars or So You Think You Can Dance, right? Could Paula go to law school, pass the bar, get appointed to the bench and then compete with Judge Judy and all the other daytime judges for a court show?

Share your thoughts and comments. Paula might be reading ... you never know.