I’m still trying to process Ausiello’s report that Paula Abdul is finalizing a deal to headline a reboot of Star Search on ABC, and I think the reason it’s so difficult is not necessarily because hosting Star Search could preclude Paula from co-judging the upcoming U.S. version of The X-Factor with Simon Cowell. I honestly think it’s because my strongest memory of Star Search comes from that Full House episode in which Joey Gladstone gives himself one last shot to make it as a comedian after 10 years of trying. I hate spoiler alerts, so I won’t tell you guys what happens! We can only hope that midway through her first episode, Paula doesn’t pull a Michelle Tanner by defiantly throwing down her tutu and tiara to declare, “NO MORE BALLERINA.” ‘
An attempt to revive Star Search back in 2003-2004 failed. But that was CBS and Arsenio Hall; this is ABC and Paula Abdul. I don’t think there’s necessarily any love lost for Paula by America, but after her tragic, all-over-the-place effort at hosting VH1 Divas this fall, we’re probably not willing to watch another train wreck. Michael Slezak, could you put this more succinctly? “Paula as host is horrifying. Paula as judge is less so,” says EW.com’s Idoloonie. This is a POPWATCH EXCLUSIVE. Eat it, Ausiello.
Did you watch Star Search when its first iteration was on the air? Do you think you’d watch its new version, featuring Paula doing…something? I guess I’d be more likely to watch a Paula show than America’s Got Talent…but honestly, all these proposed version of essentially the same show seem like an unsolicited heap of “fun”-size Mounds in my World of Reality TV Halloween pumpkin. All the world’s a candy store. When will we stop trick-or-treatin’?
UPDATE: No more ballerina! Ausiello’s sources say Paula will not be joining the Star Search reboot.
Annie on Twitter: @EWAnnieBarrett
Image Credit: Bob Charlotte/PR Photos
Mmmmmm Mounds…..
Slow Tuesday, eh Annie?
This has train wreck written all over it.
For real…this is a bad idea….she definitely needs to pursue X Factor….if she wants to be on a show that lasts.
I didn’t like the Arsenio Hall star search, mainly because of the judges.
This will be interesting to see. I think ABC is throwing out a feeler with this story to see how the message boards respond. I don’t think Paula is “hosting” material. What has she “hosted”?
My only question is: What ever happened to Beth Hart from Star Search? The 1st person to get all 10′s everyday she was on. What a great ‘rocker’ she was. She did Melissa better than Melissa!!!!
She did have that one hit song – “L.A. Song”.
So, what exactly is going to be the difference between Star Search and X Factor?
I say she skips this silly Star Search idea and does X Factor with Simon. The two of them together…that’s the good stuff.
Star Search is a relic of the past. It has been broken into it’s separate pieces and sold off to be more successful then the whole (American Idol, So you think you can dance, last comic standing, etc) .
That being said, who better to “host” this relic then another relic?
Ugh, Star Search is so dull! Now that I own the TV, no one in this house can make me watch it.
NOTHING could make me watch star search.
…or x factor (what is that, anyway?) or American I-dull.
It’s time to unplug the TV.
This is a terrible idea. Paula, get a clue.
I want to see Paula back with Simon on X-Factor now that Idol has ended. (It ended last Thursday when the only interesting talent was eliminated leaving the show as nothing more than Kara rubbing herself against Simon and Ellen amusing herself and no one else.)
Annie, if you ever move to Nebraska, I would like to be your best friend.
I loved the original Star Search but after that they were boring.