Paula Abdul Expected to Join Simon Cowell on 'X Factor'

Paula Abdul will be back at the judging table with Simon Cowell, this time on Fox's "The X Factor," a person familiar with the negotiations said Saturday.

Though widely expected, confirmation of Abdul's joining the new singing contest was held up as negotiations continued until the eve of the show's first taping, according to the person familiar with the talks.

Abdul was recently released by CBS from any further obligations, a person at CBS said Saturday, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the network had not authorized public discussion of the issue.  Abdul headed the disastrous dance show "Live to Dance" earlier this year.

Abdul should be on hand for Sunday's taping in Los Angeles of the first judging session for "The X Factor." This will reunite her with fellow judge Cowell, her former sparring partner on the "American Idol" judging panel. Other previously announced judges include British pop superstar Cheryl Cole and Grammy-winning producer Antonio "L.A." Reid.

"The X Factor," based on Cowell's hit British show, will debut this fall on Fox.

Dancing With the Stars: Hines Continues to Be MVP

It's Guilty Pleasures Week on Dancing With the Stars and that means either you're going to love the music or you're going to hate it.

I'm not sure what to expect from the dancers this week, but if the pros have a little more latitude in choreographing their routines that plays right into the hands of Mark Ballas and Maks as they know how to get the most out of their partners.

Up first tonight is Kirstie Alley and Maks.  They will be doing a Samba and it looks like they put in a lot of hard work during the week.  They will be dancing to Britney Spears, and they did ok.  It looked like Kirstie had a little trouble keeping up with Maks.  Len liked it, Bruno thought it was smooth and Carrie Ann was impressed as well.  They get a surprising 26 out of 30.

Next on the floor, Chris Jericho and Cheryl.  They get the Tango and dance to a Journey hit.  They started out a bit stiff and had a hard time recovering from it.  Carrie Ann thought it was actually a bit boring.  They get a 22.

Romeo and Chelsie Hightower are up next.  Romeo had his best performance last week.  Surprisingly they dance to a Celine Dion song.  He's setting his sights on Hines Ward and he wants 10's.  Carrie Ann thought it was "magical", Len thought he showed maturity.  They receive a 28 for their waltz.

Chelsea Kane and Mark Ballas are next.  Mark injured his ankle during rehearsal, but he's giving it a go.  The perform to Katrina and the Waves.  Mark tries tapping into Chelsea's competitive side to improve her scores.  They did great, Chelsea kept right up with Mark.  A lot of fun and well done.  They earn a 28 and get a 10 from Carrie Ann.

Kendra and Louis are up next.  Kendra improved and looked confident last week.  She really needs a good Samba this week to have a chance to come back next week.  They dance to Ricky Martin.  Kendra really shakes it.  A high energy performance.  Her technique needs a little work, but she still gets a 25.
Here we go with Hines Ward and Kym.  He's been doing real well.  They dance to Boyz to Men.  Hines puts in a lot of practice time, so of which includes dancing with a pillow.  He's really natural out there on the dance floor.  Bruno says it's a pleasure to watch Bruno.  They get a 27.

Lastly, it's Ralph and Karina.  Ralph needs to regain the form he had in the first two weeks.  He hit rock-bottom last week.  They have the Paso this week to get back in the game.  A different look to a Paso, but the crowd loved it.  A small fall happened, but they still delivered an intense dance.  They get a 24.

Results show tomorrow night.

Dancing With the Stars Results: Petra 'Czech's' Out

Another couple will be eliminated tonight on DWTS.

We celebrated America last night as the couples all gave some of their best performances.

Hines and Chelsea were the best in my opinion, but all the competitors were pretty good.  

A lot of attention and focus is on Kirstie each week, so we'll see if she survives.  Kendra might be in trouble.

Safe this week is Hines and Kim.  In jeopardy is Kirstie and Maks.  We'll find out later if they survive.  Romeo and Chelsie Hightower get to do the encore dance.

Next the first appearance of the night for Toby Keith.  A great rendition of "I Should've Been a Cowboy."

Up for elimination next are Chelsea Kane, Romeo and Chris Jericho.  I wouldn't want to be the one to tell Chris Jericho that he's in jeopardy.  The next couple safe is Chelsea and Mark.  Romeo and Chelsie are also safe.  Chris Jericho and Cheryl are in jeopardy.  

Next, a little behind the scenes piece.  Then the usual Macy's Stars of Dance.  

The final three couples to find out their fate are Petra, Kendra, and Ralph.  All three were solid last night.  The next coupple safe is Ralph and Karina.  Also coming back next week is Kendra and Louis.  Petra and Dmitry are in jeopardy. 

More Toby Keith and some more patriotic music.  We also find out that next week Pia Toscano will be performing backed by Mark Ballas.  I bet she's been backed by Mark Ballas.

One couple will be brought to safety.  That would be Kirstie and Maks.

Either Chris or Petra will be gone.  The couple still safe is Chris and Cheryl.  Petra will be going home, but she did well.

Dancing With the Stars: Sugar Ray is KO'ed

Classical Night was an instant classic as the good performances outnumbered the bad last night.

One team will have danced their last dance and will be heading home.  Who will it be?  The third celebrity will be eliminate tonight, Liiiiiiiive

Kendra might be in the worst position at this point.  She received a lot of criticism from the judges and I'm not sure how much fan support she has.

The dance troupe started out the evening with a nice routing to "Walk This Way."  They are spicing up the classical music for these pro routines.

Let's get right into the eliminations.  First up are Chelsea Kane, Hines Ward, and Ralph Macchio.  These were the three highest scoring couples from last night's shows.  Combining the fan's votes with the judge's marks, Ralph and Karina are safe.  Hines and Kym are also safe and Chelsea and Mark are in jeopardy.

Some consolation for Chelsea and mark is they were picked to do the encore, so we get to see some more Harry Potter.

This was followed by a Lieutenant Len bit.  At least it didn't include Kenny Mayne.

Next up, singing her new song is Jennifer Hudson.  Karina and Louis danced to her new song.  I think Playboy will sell some more copies after that routine.

Next up to find out their fate are Chris Jericho, Romeo and Petra.  The next couple safe is Chris and Cheryl.  Also safe is Romeo and Chelsie.  Petra is on the hot seat.

The Macy's Stars of Dance this week showcases ballet.  That's this week's filler.

One more song from Jennifer Hudson and were back to the eliminations.

The next group up for elimination includes Kirstie Alley, Sugar Ray Leonard and Kendra.  Kendra got some harsh words last night from the judges.  Kirstie and Maks are safe, Kendra is safe and Sugar Ray doesn't know his fate.

Three couples, one will be eliminated.  Petra and Dmitry are safe.  Chelsea and Mark are safe, Sugar Ray and Anna are going home.

Partriots Week is next week.

Chris Brown Still Slated for 'Dancing With the Stars'

I'm a but surprised, but Dancing with the Stars producers are moving forward with Chris Brown's March 29 performance on the popular dance show.

Rumors surfaced on Thursday morning that ABC was going to pull the plug on the bad boy's appearance, but we are told that's not going to happen. 

The ABC vs. Chris Brown controversy started on Tuesday when Brown shattered a dressing room window with a chair after an interview on Good Morning America. During that interview, Brown was asked repeatedly about his two-year-old assault against Rihanna which led to him erupting off camera moments later.

Chair throwing, window breaking and temper tantrums are not part of the family friendly 'Dancing.'

Brown has since apologized for the incident, and GMA has said they would invite the singer back on the morning show.

Brown was confirmed on DWTS long before heated attack, as of now he still we be on the show next week.