Do you know, it was only when 'Straight Up' was one of the 'guess the tracks' on a recent edition of Buzzcocks that I remembered just how good some of Paul Abdul's songs were. And she was a damn good dancer too if I remember rightly. Not as good as MC Skat Cat, obviously, but good nonetheless.
Anyway, Abdul will be continuing with her new career of looking slightly appalled at Simon Cowell's put downs for at least another three years after signing up to three more seasons of American Idol - a TV show that seems to maintain its popularity despite being on US screens for, well, I don't know, it must be several decades by now.
The new deal with Amerian Idol makers Fox, which mirrors one recently signed by Cowell, shows that the talent show judge has survived the scandal that was unleashed midway through the last series of a show when a former contestant alleged he had had an affair with her. Some insiders said Abdul faced the axe when that story hit the tabloids, but the new deal is a sign from the telly bosses that they believed her denials and that the worst of the gossiping is behind her. Confirming the new deal, Fox President Of Entertainment Peter Liguori described Abdul as an "integral member of the Idol family".
Abdul herself told reporters: "It is truly an honor to be a part of the American Idol phenomenon. As an artist myself, it is a pleasure to have a connection with each of the contestants and be able to fully support their dreams and aspirations. They truly inspire and amaze me each week. Of course, I also look forward to putting Simon in his place for years to come."