Paula Abdul Heads Back to Work as a Judge --- But Not for Idol

Paula Abdul was back to work Thursday as a judge — a gavel-in-hand kind of judge — shooting a guest appearance for Lifetime's new dramedy, Drop Dead Diva.

Find out what Fox had to say about Paula's depature and what's next for her 

While her former co-judges headed to Denver for American Idol'sSeason 9auditions — without her —Abdul was in Peachtree, Ga., to shoot Diva's season finale, Lifetime told TVGuide.com.

Katy Perry, Victoria Beckham to Be Guest Judges on Idol

In her first appearance, airing Sept. 13, Abdul plays a judge in a dream sequence to give Jane (the lead lawyer played by Brooke Elliott) advice on a tough case. In her return to Jane's dreams on Oct. 11, she offers advice on love.

Vote on whether or you'll still watch Idol without Paula Abdul