In just a few short weeks, the judge we all know we missed (for some reason or another) will be back in a center seat.

Paula Abdul, who made news when she decided to leave American Idol, will make her return to reality television on January 4. But this time, she'll be on CBS ... and she won't be focused on singing.

Although Live to Dance will differ from most of the dance competition programs out there -- the series welcomes contestants "in any age group" and from "any form of dancing" -- the show will still feature Abdul's unique ... style ... of ... judging. (Notice the pauses?)

Check out the new promo above.