Is Paula Abdul the new Oprah?

Is Paula Abdul the new Oprah? Reports overnight that former American Idol judge and 80’s pop singer Paula Abdul is eyeing off her own talk show.

Talking to news entertainment program, Extra, the 47 year old thinks she’s ready to roll into the daytime arena.

“I have some really great ideas” she said. “It would be fun and quirky and it would be insightful.

I feel I would be really good at it. I have the ability to connect with people on a level. I’ve proven to pierce the heartstrings, but also to be celebratory and bring out the best in people” Paula Abdul rose to fame in the 1980s, making the leap from a popular cheerleader to an even more popular singer. Her hits included “Opposites Attract” and “Rush, Rush”.

In 2002, Abdul appeared as one of three judges in the reality television music show, American Idol, which became a pop culture phenomenon. She won praise as a sympathetic and compassionate judge, but also drew criticism for her sometimes erratic behaviour and rumoured interference with the contestants on a personal level. In 2009 Abdul walked away from the show, although the circumstances and reasons behind the exit are unclear.

So, would you warm to Paula as a replacement to Oprah? Who is your tip to take the crown in 2011? Whoppi Goldberg? Judge Judy? Gail King? Personally, we’re liking The Views’ Joy Behar – do you hear us CNN?