The long rumored item that Paula Abdul will take part in Simon Cowell’s U.S. version of The X-Factor has gained further traction, as Cowell readily admits that he is rather close to his former American Idol colleague.  With Cowell on his last year on Idol, expect him to spend the next TV season ensuring The X-Factor’s success and possibly bringing Abdul back in the spotlight.  The top eight girls perform on tonight’s American Idol at 8 pm et/pt. (CLICK ON THE MEDIA BAR BELOW TO HEAR SIMON COWELL)