Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson, long-time frenemies, are said to be engaged in a bitter snit, again, over Paula’s ouster from Simon Cowell’s “X-Factor.” Janet, it seems, now wants the job.
Like Paula, Jackson’s music career is on the wane. The star is 45 and could use a photo opportunity or a TV show to revive her career, like “American Idol” has done for Jennifer Lopez. Or, at least give her a steady paycheck.
The two have been on-off friends for years, but Paula was reportedly infuriated when Janet jumped a little too quickly for her X-Factor job, according to The National Enquirer.
Paula may have been harboring thoughts about renegotiating her deal. But having Janet in the wings would definitely strengthen Simon’s hand, or even rule out any discussions.
“Janet would give her eyeteeth to get hired by Simon Cowell, and she’s rumored to have been in discussions with ‘X Factor’ producers for weeks,” a source told the paper.
Abdul, 49, announced earlier this year she would not be returning as a judge for the second season of the FOX show. She said at the time she understood the decision, but actually was “very, very angry” about getting the boot, the tabloid said.
Apparently bad blood between the two goes back almost 30 years to Jackie Jackson’s very messy divorce in 1983. Janet reportedly accused Paula of dating her still-married brother. At the time, Abdul was still a relatively unknown Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader.
“Janet felt responsible because it was through their friendship that Paula got to know Jackie,” explained the source. “Things got murkier because there were rumors that Paula was dating some of the Lakers players behind Jackie’s back.
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