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.