Abdul left her post as a judge on "American Idol" after last season because she and the Fox singing competition show's producers could not agree on a new contract.
EW.com said she is close to signing a deal with ABC to head up a new version of "Star Search," a TV talent show that debuted in 1983 with Ed McMahon as host and ran through 1995. A revival with Arsenio Hall as host aired from 2003-04.
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