Idol Hands on Deck

It seems the American Idol judges have been far from idle during the off-season.

Randy Jackson told E! News' Ryan Seacrest Wednesday that he is prepping the release of a new CD featuring a duet with Paula Abdul.

"It's hot," Jackson said on Seacrest's KIIS-FM radio show, while declining to provide many specifics about the collaboration. (Listen to the full interview.)

Other guests on the album, dubbed Randy Jackson's Music Club: Vol. 1, on which Jackson will arrange and play instruments, include Richie Sambora, Mariah Carey and Joss Stone, Jackson said.

While Simon Cowell apparently opted not to participate, Jackson confirmed that Seacrest would be featured on the album, too, though in what capacity was unclear—even to Ryan himself, as the host made it clear he was lacking in vocal ability.

"You've heard that technology can make voices better—Paris Hilton, Britney Spears," Seacrest said. "There is not enough Pro Tool in the world to make me sound good on a song."

The album is slated for release in weeks, to coincide with the start of the new season of American Idol—which both Jackson and Seacrest agreed is shaping up to be the best yet.

Abdul, who is said to be working on a studio album of her own, released her last album of original material in 1995. Since then, she has put out two greatest-hits collections: 2000's Paula Abdul: Greatest Hits and 2007's Greatest Hits: Straight Up!

Jackson, a veteran producer and former member of Journey, has played with everyone from Aretha Franklin to Bon Jovi over the course of his career.

Source: http://www.eonline.com/news/article