Even though she's off American Idol, Paula Abdul hasn't slowed down. BBC News reported that the former Idol judge has been in talks with Nigel Lythgoe, a producer for American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. The two weren't dicussing Idol.

Lythgoe confirmed to Variety that there was "no question" he wanted to hire Abdul, citing her experience as both a coreographer and a judge. And he's not the only one. ABC President Steve McPherson has said that Abdul is welcome "anytime" on Dancing with the Stars, as a judge, guest star, or contestant.

Lythgoe has stated that he isn't certain about making Abdul a permanent judge on the show, however, leading to speculation that she's being eyed as a choreographer instead. And she's a very good choreographer -- she's worked as one for Michael Jackson, among many other stars.

So will she go for Dance? I think it's too soon to tell, and it's much too soon to see Paula on a different show. Nigel Lythgoe himself hasn't ruled out the possibility that Paula's days on Idol aren't done. Though he doesn't think it's a publicity stunt, Lythgoe still thinks there is an "opportunity for negotioation" until Idol goes back on the air.

However, details are starting to come out about Paula's salary offer. The New York Daily News reports that it was close to $5 million, twice her previous salary (though still less than that of host Ryan Seacrest). This throws into question exactly why Abdul chose not to return.

Regardless, the other Idol judges have returned to filming auditions for the ninth season of the show, though Simon Cowell has expressed how much he misses Paula in an uncharacteristically tender way. "She was like my best buddy on the show," added Cowell. "And you only realise how much you miss somebody when you're not there. I am sad."