Mar 17 (Pen Men at Work): If rumors are to be believed Paula Abdul ex- judge on reality show American idol is in talks with ABC to host as well as judge an updated version of Star Search, the original singing.

Star search is considered to be the inspiration behind all the reality shows that popped up on TV after its success. It was produced from 1983 to 1985 and was hosted by legendary Ed McMahon and created by Al Masini. The reality talent hunt show has brought some of the notable singers of the time to the fore front. Singers like Beyonce, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake have come up from the show during the early 90s.

Abdul got lot of fame and success in the 2000s as a judge on American idol, for eight years before departing from the show. She was supposed to participate in Simon Cowell’s US version of The X Factor. But then if star search which is scheduled to debut this summer is on time, then Abdul won’t be able to participate in Cowell’s show.

Though this is not the first time that a new version of Star Search will be seen on television. Arsenio Hall hosted a new version of Star Search, which ran for two years: 2003 and 2004 on CBS, before ending up in reruns on cable channel GSN for one year from 2004 to 2005. It was judged by several people, including Ben Stein, Naomi Judd and had David Archuleta as its winner.