Could Paula Abdul Replace Samantha Harris on Dancing with the Stars?

Several candidates are being considered to replace Samantha Harris on Dancing With the Stars. E Online reports that Ashlan Gorse (a correspondent for E!) and Nancy O'Dell (also an entertainment journalist and one-time contestant on the show) are in the running to replace Harris. Another E Online article reports that Melissa Rycroft, Brooke Burke, and Vanessa Minnillo are also being considered.

Yet there's another name I'd like to throw out there to replace Samantha Harris: Paula Abdul. ABC would be wise to consider her as a potential co-host for Dancing With the Stars.

ABC is already courting the departed American Idol judge. According to the Post Chronicle, ABC has already offered her a $1 million deal to appear on Dancing With the Stars, though it is unclear whether the role would be as a dancer, as a contestant, or as a judge.

I would argue that hosting would be an even better function for Paula Abdul on Dancing With the Stars. As a contestant, she'd be overqualified when compared to participants such as Macy Gray or Ashley Hamilton. Yet as a professional, she'd be out of her element when compared to Chelsie Hightower or Karina Smirnoff, as Abdul is not a ballroom specialist.

Paula Abdul is funny, likable, and knows how to make contestants feel comfortable (as seen in her run on American Idol). She would also be a quirky and goofy counterpart to the more stately and dignified Tom Bergeron.

Of course, there is also talk of participation on Simon Cowell's The X-Factor. According to the Post Chronicle, participating on Dancing With the Stars would not preclude her from a possible role on The X-Factor.

Fan interest in American Idol seems to have dwindled since Paula Abdul left the show, as even Simon Cowell seems a bit detached and disinterested this season. Once he leaves American Idol, fans are likely to follow him over to The X-Factor, and this is potentially good news for Paula Abdul.

Sources:

Dancing: Who's Filling Samantha Harris' Shoes?, E Online

Dancing Slot Down to Three Contenders, E Online

Paula Abdul "Dancing With The Stars" $1M Deal: X Factor Too?, The Post Chronicle