'Dancing with the Stars' 2009 Lineup Does Not Include Paula Abdul; Will She Appear as Pro Dancer or Judge?

The "Dancing with the Stars" 2009 lineup includes a diverse and interesting mix of stars, but it doesn't include former "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul, who was rumored to be a possible contestant - or judge - on the popular show. And while it seems unlikely that Paula Abdul will be included as contestant on the "Dancing with the Stars" 2009 lineup (16 contestants were announced today on "Good Morning America") fans are still holding out hope that Paula Abdul might turn up as a judge (an appearance as a guest judge perhaps?) or even as a professional dance partner to one of the new contestants on "Dancing with the Stars" season 9.

Paula Abdul, who had been a judge on "American Idol" since its inception eight seasons ago, is a renowned dancer and choreographer. She began dancing at the tender young age of eight, and rose to the level of head cheerleader/choreographer of the Los Angeles Lakers only a short time after joining the squad. Eventually, she spread her wings and tried her hand at singing and performing. "Straight Up," the single from her debut CD, was a huge hit. She then went on to win the hearts of even more fans as a judge on "Idol." As an Idol judge, Paula was known for being particularly warm, supportive and nurturing to contestants.

But Paula Abdul was unable to get the producers of "American Idol" to agree to pay her what she felt she deserved, and thus she decided not to return to the show - which is the most popular television show in America. Reportedly, Paula Abdul was upset that some of the other "Idol" cast members - particularly Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest - were getting paid so much more than her. (Ryan Seacrest reportedly just inked a new deal that pays him upwards of $10 million a season; Simon Cowell allegedly makes over $30 million a season.)

As noted above, the "Dancing with the Stars" 2009 lineup as been announced, and it includes the following 16 contestants:

Reality TV star Kelly Osbourne, singer Donny Osmond, actress Melissa Joan Hart, singer Mya, singer Macy Gray, actress Debi Mazar, actor-comedian Ashley Hamilton, model Joanna Krupa, Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin, football player Michael Irvin, model Kathy Ireland, "Iron Chef" star Mark Dacascos, former House of Representatives Majority Leader Tom DeLay, snowboarder Louie Vito, ultimate fighting champion Chuck Lidell and singer Aaron Carter.

So I suppose it's possible that Paula Abdul could make some sort of guest appearance as a judge on season 9 of "Dancing with the Stars" - or as a professional dance partner (I'd love to see her paired up with Donny Osmond), but it seems unlikely that she will appear as a contestant.

Rumors have also been circulating that Paula Abdul is being considered as a judge on "So You Think You can Dance?"

And of course, there are even rumors floating around that Paula Abdul will return as a judge on "American Idol."

It will be interesting to see where Paula Abdul ends up next.

Sources:

New Dancing Stars Revealed, People

Paula Abdul Biography, imdb.com