Now that the judge’s chair she occupied for eight seasons of American Idol is officially warming the buns of comedienne Ellen DeGeneres, Paula Abdul needs a new full-time gig more than ever — and old pal Simon Cowell could have the perfect plan to get Paula working again.

According to a new report, the caustic Cowell is lobbying to have the “Forever Your Girl” star follow him across the pond to join The X-Factor, the British reality series that made an international singing sensation out of songbird Leona Lewis.

“They’re not sure how she’ll be used yet. She might mentor the contestants during the final live shows and teach them the importance of stage presence,” a television industry tipster blabbed in the Sept. 21 edition of Star.

Paula guest judged the UK series for one episode in 2006. In addition to The X-Factor gig, Paula — a former Laker Girl — is in discussions to produce her own cheerleader-themed live show on the Las Vegas strip.