FILE - In this March 5, 2009 file photo, 'American Idol' judge Paula Abdul arrives at the American Idol Top 13 Party in Los Angeles. Fox said Tuesday Aug. 4, 2009. 'We made an offer we feel is very fair to Paula' that included a substantial raise, Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Rice told the Television Critics Association on Wednesday Aug. 2009. But Abdul decided against returning for the hit singing contest's ninth season, he said. [Agencies]

PASADENA, Calif. – ABC is joining the chorus of those seeking to hire Paula Abdul, who said she's quitting "American Idol."

ABC programming chief Stephen McPherson told the Television Critics Association on Saturday that he was "stunned" to hear she'd decided to leave the top-rated Fox series and that he's contacted Abdul, whom he called an old friend.

McPherson told Abdul he'd love to see her at ABC, home of "Dancing with the Stars."

Abdul announced last Tuesday she was leaving as an "Idol" judge following stalemated contract talks with Fox and the show's producers. She said she quickly started receiving "wonderful" offers.