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Paula Abdul pitches herself as Oprah replacement

By April MacIntyre Nov 24, 2009, 15:38 GMT

11/22/2009 - Paula Abdul -"I have really great ideas," Abdul told "Extra" Monday from her cousin\'s new store. Abdul, 47, said she hopes to do a talk show in the next two to three years. © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

Oprah Winfrey is packing up and leaving cold Chicago for her sunny manse in Montecito.

Could Paula Abdul replace her?  She's available.

"I have really great ideas," Abdul told "Extra" Monday from her cousin's new store.  Abdul, 47, said she hopes to do a talk show in the next two to three years.

"It would be fun and quirky and it would be insightful," she said. "It would be fun to jam with the band and have amazing guests and introduce amazing different formats on the show."

The Grammy winner is confident in the potential project.

"I feel I would be really good at it. I have the ability to connect with people on a level," Abdul explained. "I've proven to pierce the heartstrings, but also to be celebratory and bring out the best in people."

Abdul respects Winfrey and calls her a "phenomenon" who "broke barriers and let the path for other women to be empowered."

She added, "Like 'American Idol,' there's a place and time that makes history. That's Oprah."

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