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Speaking to Terri Seymour on Extra, Cowell also refused to rule out hiring the former American Idol judge for his upcoming US X Factor series.
He said: "I don't know. I sent Paula a note because I knew that this was likely to happen. I sent her a note just saying that I was actually pleased somebody's built a show around her, it just proves her star power.
"Paula's a survivor. She's much smarter than people know. But what I said, and I literally mean this, I would welcome her on any of my shows any time."
> Paula Abdul "thrilled" by new dance show
