HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Paula Abdul may be out of work like a lot of Americans, but don't expect her phone to stop ringing.
On Saturday, ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson told reporters at the Television Critics Association summer press tour that his network would welcome Abdul with open arms. So could the former "American Idol" judge land a seat next Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli on ABC's reality hit "Dancing With the Stars?"
"Absolutely. I would love that," McPherson told the group. "I was a little stunned by the decision, and we would love to have her on 'Dancing.' "
McPherson said that he and Abdul are "friends from way back." He also said that he contacted the music diva shortly after she announced her plans last week to leave "Idol" after eight seasons.
"I think she's a huge talent," said McPherson. "There's a sensitivity and an empathy that balances out 'Idol,' and we'd love to get a piece of that."
McPherson said Abdul sounded "good" when they spoke, but they have yet to proceed very far on the business side of things.
"We have no formal plans," he said. "I think all possibilities are open. Really, it will depend on where her head is at."
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