Surprise, surprise, there’s a chance Paula Abdul may be returning to “American Idol” after all. She was being touted as the possible “big name” celebrity who would likely be joining the “Dancing with the Stars” cast. However the cast list came out yesterday and Paula wasn’t on it. And it sounds like ABC was pretty bummed about it and really wanted her on the show. It appears that Paula passed because she is still trying to work out a deal with “Idol” producers, and wants something similar to what Ryan Seacrest got $45 million for three years.

Now that the “Dancing With the Stars” cast has been announced, and Paula Abdul’s name is not on the list, negotiations between Abdul and Fox for her return to “American Idol” have become more intense.

“The people at the very top of ABC were really vocal about getting her on board for ‘Dancing,’” said a source familiar with the talks with Abdul. “By not exactly keeping it secret, it made Paula’s value more apparent to Fox.”

The negotiations are ongoing, but calling them “talks” could be more appropriate, since dubbing them “negotiations” suggests that one side is budging.

“Paula isn’t lowering her price in any meaningful way. She wants a Seacrest-level deal,” said the source. “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest reportedly signed a three-year deal with the show worth a total of $45 million. If there is a scenario that gets Abdul back on the show, it’s likely that her return would be limited to the live shows only, according to several people who are close to the talks. This will allow the original offer made by the show to stand, but Abdul would have a shorter time commitment.

As far as ABC is concerned, executives are disappointed they couldn’t sign Abdul to “Dancing With the Stars.”… “They actually really needed her as that big name,” said person who had direct knowledge of the talks. “They didn’t really want Tom DeLay as their most-buzzed-about contestant.”

[From MSNBC’s The Scoop]

Both Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson have come out in support of Paula and said very nice things about her, but sort of in a “Sayonara” tone. Like, “You’re the best, you’ll do great at your next project!” It sounds like they enjoyed working with her and wish things had worked out differently, but not like they’re exactly pulling for her or anything.

They may have seemed like arch enemies on the set of “American Idol,” but everyone’s favorite grumpy Brit Simon Cowell says the show will not be the same without Paula Abdul. “I didn’t want to get involved in what’s going on because it wasn’t really any of my business but I spoke to her a lot through the whole process,” Cowell told FOXNews.com’s Pop Tarts column. “She was the heart, so you’ve taken that away so it’s a different show. I’m sad, I am.”

Cowell also said that he is confident Abdul will find success in whatever she does. “I will support her in anything she wants to do next. I think she is TV gold, genuinely.”

Co-host Randy Jackson echoed Simon’s sentiments. “Me and Ryan and Simon and her started this journey together, so I’m really shocked and really proud and really just couldn’t believe she’s not here,” he told Tarts. “We love her, I’m sure she’s going to be great whatever she decides to do.”

[From Fox News]

All nice things to say, but it doesn’t seem like there’s some sudden act of solidarity here. Sure there’s a chance Paula may still be on the show, but she’s already missed a good chunk of the auditions. The producers have made it clear they’re fine with replacing her, since that’s what they’ve been doing with guest judges anyway. Speaking of which, they recently announced that Shania Twain will be a guest judge in Chicago on August 30 and 31st. If Paula really wants in, she should take what she can get at this point.

Here’s Paula looking exuberant in a silver dress and matching shoes as she dined at Boa restaurant in Los Angeles on Saturday. Images thanks to Pacific Coast News.