Abdul feels optimistic about returning to ‘Idol’

Judge’s contract has expired, but she says she’s been invited to stay on

John Bazemore / AP

Paula Abdul says she's optimistic that she'll be able to negotiate a new contract to allow her to remain as an "American Idol" judge.

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updated 12:46 p.m. ET July 13, 2009

ATLANTA - Paula Abdul says she's optimistic that she'll be able to negotiate a new contract to allow her to remain as an "American Idol" judge.

Abdul told The Associated Press on Monday in Atlanta that she's been invited to stay for the duration of the show, subject to agreement on the details of a new deal. Her previous contract expired after last season.

The 47-year-old singer-dancer was interviewed backstage at the new sitcom "Drop Dead Diva," which premieres on July 12 on the Lifetime channel. She's making a guest appearance on the show as a judge.

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Abdul jokingly described the panel of Idol judges as a "dysfunctional family of sorts."

“I’m the nurturing mom, Simon’s the disapproving dad, and Randy’s the cool brother,” she said. “It’s been an interesting journey. It’s something that I’ll always would want to be a part of.”

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