Will Paula Abdul join Simon Cowell on The X Factor?

Have you wondered why American Idol's recently debenched judge Paula Abdul has yet to land somewhere? You know, as a TV personality, it seemed like after her tweet that she was not returning to the show, she was hit with an avalanche of offers... and then nothing. No dancing show. No talk show. Just rumors. Okay, there was the VH1 Divas thing and a guest appearance on Drop Dead Diva, but nothing substantial.

Now, Ms. Abdul herself has hinted that there's yet a new possibility for her. She again used Twitter which is cheaper than a publicist. Paula sort of attached herself to The X Factor. The British musical competition show is coming to America next year if Simon Cowell can work out the deal. Paula may be part of that package. Paula tweeted: "Hey guys, I'm having a great time in London. Going to watch x factor rehearsals now. So excited! Almost the weekend!!!! Xoxo"

Thanks for those hugs and kisses, PA, how sweet... but I digress. How likely is it that Paula's visit was more than a courtesy tour? I'd say pretty likely. Paula is looking for a soft landing and the U.S. version of X Factor could be the spot. It's a Simon product. He will be producing -- and might be a regular judge as well -- cementing the whole American Idol connection. That would bring in viewers at least initially.

And Simon never wanted Paula to leave Idol; at least that's what he said to the media. Should Paula actually end up on The X Factor, that would mean that Simon was telling the truth and he did/does value what she brings to these competition reality series.

Time will tell... or make that tweet will tell.