Will Paula Abdul Appear on X Factor Debut?

The show hasn't even started, but there's already plenty of drama surrounding Simon Cowell's American version of The X Factor. Deadline Hollywood has reported that Cowell wants Paula Abdul to be a judge on Sunday night's U.S. premiere of the show, but she's still signed to her Live to Dance contract with CBS. An X Factor source previously claimed Abdul would indeed be appearing on Sunday night's taping of the first episode. Deadline's source said the deal was in "final negotiations" and that Abdul's reps were working around the clock to get her released from Live to Dance before the cameras begin rolling for the X Factor Sunday at 1:00 PM. Cowell is allegedly counting on his close friend to show up "whether her deal is done or not," says another insider.