Possibly as Cheryl’s partner? Thanks to Lindsay in the comments for pointing this one out, but I’m not entirely convinced just yet. Almost, but not quite. Mainly because his follow up tweet implies he was out partying with Cheryl and Shannon Elizabeth and their friends. Also at the same event? Lacey Schwimmer and others – per WENN. Here are the tweets:

Well, will the rumor that has gone around before every season for the past couple years finally become a reality? I hope not. What I’m talking about are comments by ABC Entertainment President, Steven McPherson, at the pre-season Press Tour. EW blogged live from the event:

2:12 pm: McPherson admits he was “a little stunned” by Paula Abdul’s exit from American Idol, adding that he would ”absolutely” be interested in recruiting her for Dancing with the Stars “whether as a contestant or a judge… She’s a huge talent… there’s a sensitivity and an emotion [there] that balanced out Idol and we’d love to get a piece of that.”

I confess I saw this as a possibility the moment I heard she couldn’t reach an agreement with American Idol/19E. But this is the President of Entertainment, not the producers. Can the producers be forced into something? Would they even object? Paula would undoubtedly bring ratings and she would probably be funny.

I wouldn’t mind so much if she were a contestant, if she weren’t short enough that she might end up Derek’s partner. Selfish? Yes.

Speaking of Derek, he and Shannon Elizabeth ended their relationship of over a year last night. They had been living together for a while, but the break up appears amicable.

In the interest of keeping up with ALL of the professional dancers from DWTS, I have started a new series.  A couple times a week I will post an update of what a given dancer is up to.  I’m starting with the easiest pro for me to keep up with – Derek Hough. 

Derek is a piece of cake – he’s in the south pacific with his gorgeous girlfriend, Shannon Elizabeth, for a much deserved vacation. To be specific – Bora Bora.  Lucky dog.   We’ll catch up with Derek again later, once he’s back in the states.

This past weekend, Derek was at the Indy 500 with his band, the Ballas Hough Band.  Between the Snakepit Ball, the parade, and the Playboy Party (see picture below), Derek had a full weekend even before he took to the stage with BHB for a post-race concert.

Derek has said that he will be back for Season 9 “as long as they don’t cast all 7′ women”.

Derek Links:

http://www.purederekhough.com/

http://twitter.com/OfficialDHough

http://www.myspace.com/ballashoughband

http://www.myspace.com/30371912

Apparently it’s date night after the Finale! Maks and Karina are double dating with Derek and Shannon (with spare BHB band members tagging along), and Julianne and Chuck get caught by the cameras as well. Julianne confirms once again that she is only taking one season off.

Part 3 – The Pros and the Hookups

Part 4 – The Injuries and….Bruno