Fight for Paula

FOX and ABC might have to duke it out for Paula Abdul's services.

Recent reports suggest that the former "American Idol" judge is in talks to host a revival of "Star Search" for ABC -- but old pal Simon Cowell has indicated for months that he wants her to be a part of the American version of his hit British series, "The X Factor" on Fox.

In January, he was quoted as saying, "I will work with her again in some capacity, because I miss her."

Meanwhile, Abdul was quoted last month telling radio hosts "Johnjay & Rich in the Morning" that she's "gonna be going back to my roots and doing a TV show that has something to do with my roots."

Greg Tidwell, PacificCoastNews.c

Paula Abdul.

ABC had no comment about the rumors and Fox still has another year and a half to go before "X Factor" hits the airwaves.

Abdul was coy yesterday, tweeting that, "Once again, until you hear it from me, you can't believe what you read."

Still, an insider says that an ABC remake of the old-school talent competition is in discussion and that if the network decides to go ahead with it, it could begin airing as early as this summer.

Although Abdul does not have a development deal or contract with ABC, this is the third time in less than a year that her name has been associated with an ABC production. After quitting "Idol," rumors circulated that she was up for guest starring roles on "Ugly Betty" and "Dancing With the Stars," although neither came to fruition.