CBS has signed the former “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul to headline its coming dance competition, “Got to Dance.”

Ms. Abdul will be the lead judge and a mentor and coach for the amateur contestants on the reality show. Behind the scenes, she will also be an executive producer and a “creative partner,” CBS said.

Impressively, the network found a way to squeeze all the titles into a headline, like so: “Paula Abdul Named Executive Producer, Creative Partner, Mentor, Coach, And Lead Judge of Upcoming CBS Reality-Competition Series ‘Got To Dance.’”


With “Got to Dance” — a title that is subject to change — CBS will be competing with ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” and Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” A CBS spokesman said the network has not decided on a premiere date for the series.

The “Got to Dance” format comes from the United Kingdom, where it started last year.

In a statement, Ms. Abdul said, “I am thrilled to be creative partners with Reveille, Shine and CBS and to present the best new dance talent to American audiences. Each and every week we’ll showcase the challenges and successes of a fantastic group of dancers, as they perform and compete — compelling stories, exciting competition and amazing dance performances are guaranteed.”
Paula Abdul, American pop singer-record producer-dancer-choreographer-actress and television personality, is going to be a judge in ABC’s Got To Dance.

This dance competition is expected to be seen next season. Abdul will also be an executive producer for the series, which is based on a successful competition that airs in Britain.