Biography
Paula Julie Abdul is an American singer, dancer, choreographer and television personality, born on June 19, in San Fernando, California. She first rose to fame in the 1980s as a choreographer for artists such as Janet Jackson and The Jacksons.
Her debut album forever be my girl 1988 was her solo breakthrough year, producing several hit singles, including “Straight Up” And “Opposites attract.” Her music videos became iconic for their innovative choreography and vibrant style, shaping pop culture at the time.
In addition to her music career, Paula Abdul is also widely known as a judge on American Idol from 2002 to 2009. Her warm demeanor and encouraging responses made her a fan favorite. She has also been a judge on other talent shows such as So you think you can jump And X FactorAbdul has won numerous awards throughout his career, including a Grammy Award for Best Music Video for “Opposites attract“ .
American singer and dancer
Paula Abdul | |
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Paula Abdul: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos | |
Wiki Events & About Data | |
Real name: | Paula Julie Abdul |
Stage name: | Paula Abdul |
Born: | June 19, 1962 (age 62) |
Place of birth: | San Fernando, California, United States |
Nationality: | American |
Education: | Van Nuys High School, California State University Northridge |
Height: | 1.52 meters |
Parents: | Harry Abdul, Lorraine M. Abdul |
Siblings: | Wendy Abdul |
Couple: | Brad Beckerman (married 1996–1998), Emilio Estevez (married 1992–1994) |
Boyfriend • Partner: | Simon Cowell (rum.), Jackie Jackson (1984), Janet Jackson, John Caprio (2012), Jeff Bratton (2010-2011), JT Torregiani (2007-2008), Dante Spencer (2005), Colton Melby (2003- 2004), Corey Clark (2003), Hank Kuehne (2000), John Stamos (1990), Arsenio Hall (1989-2013) |
The children: | Do not have |
Job: | Singer • TV Personality |
Net worth: | $30 million (USD) |
Early life and education
Paula Abdul, born June 19 in San Fernando, California, comes from a family with a diverse cultural background. Her father, Harry Abdul, is of Jewish descent, born in Aleppo, Syria, and her mother, Lorraine M. Rykiss, also known as Lorraine M. Abdul, brought her Jewish-Canadian heritage into the family.
This rich cultural mix is a key part of Paula’s identity, culminating in her Bat Mitzvah celebration in Israel in 2013, which highlighted her strong connection to her Jewish roots. Paula shares a close bond with her sister, Wendy Abdul, whose battle with breast cancer had a profound impact on her, inspiring Paula to become a health awareness advocate.
Paula attended Van Nuys High Schoolwhere she actively participated as senior class president and cheerleader. Although she was enrolled at California State University, Northridge to study television and radio, her passion for dance soon took center stage. She began taking dance lessons at the age of eight, and her big break came when she joined the Los Angeles Lakers cheerleading squad, the Laker Girls, when she was 18.
Her talent quickly became apparent, and she was promoted to lead choreographer for the team. This role launched her into the wider entertainment industry, where she gained recognition as a choreographer, most notably for Janet Jackson’s music videos.
Career
Paula Abdul’s career took off when she joined the Los Angeles Lakers cheerleading squad, the Laker Girls, quickly becoming the team’s lead choreographer. This role led her to music video choreography, where she worked with major artists like Janet Jackson. Her choreography for iconic videos like “Dirty” And “Control” set a new standard for pop music in the 1980s, cementing her reputation as a creative force.
Her transition to music stardom after the release of her debut album forever be my girl in 1988, becoming the best-selling debut album by a female artist at the time. Chart-topping hits such as “Straight Up“ “Cold,” And “Opposites attract” brought her widespread acclaim and multiple Grammy nominations.
Her subsequent albums, Shut up And Dance (1990) and Dotted (1991), continuing her success with songs like “Hurry Hurry” And “The Promise of a New Day.” Despite her commercial success, Paula faced challenges with creative control and the pressures of fame, which forced her to take a break from the music scene in the mid-1990s.
Paula found new success on television, becoming a beloved judge on American Idol from 2002 to 2009. Known for her supportive and constructive criticism, she helped shape the show’s appeal and became a fan favorite. After leaving American IdolShe continued her television career with appearances on X Factor And So you think you can jumpfurther demonstrating her expertise in the field of dance.
In addition to her own performances, Paula Abdul is credited with raising the bar for choreography in music videos, leaving a lasting impact on pop culture. Her catchy, dance-oriented music continues to inspire artists today, and her presence on American Idol cemented her legacy as a nurturing figure in the world of talent competitions.
Social media
- Wikipedia: Paula Abdul
- Instagram: Paula Abdul (@paulaabdul)
- Facebook: Paula Abdul
- IMDb: Paula Abdul
- TikTok: Paula Abdul (@paulaabdul)
- YouTube: Paula Abdul
Personal life
Paula Abdul’s personal life added an intriguing dimension to her public image. After a whirlwind romance, she married actor Emilio Estevez in 1992, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1994. She then married sportswear manufacturer Brad Beckerman in 1996, although that marriage also ended in divorce less than two years later, in 1998.
Despite these marriages, Paula Abdul has no children. Her dating history includes notable relationships with figures such as restaurateur JT Torregiani, with whom she had an on-again, off-again relationship. There were also rumors of a relationship with Simon Cowell during her time on “American Idol”, although these do not lead to long-term commitment or marriage.
Paula Abdul has been in relationships with John Caprio (2012), Jeff Bratton (2010–2011), JT Torregiani (2007–2008), Dante Spencer (2005), Colton Melby (2003–2004), Corey Clark (2003), Hank Kuehne (2000), John Stamos (1990) and Arsenio Hall (1989–2013). She has also been in relationships with Jackie Jackson (1984) and Janet Jackson.
Standing at approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall, Abdul’s height complements her dynamic and charismatic stage presence. Her approach to relationships is often characterized by intense but relatively short-lived engagements, which may be influenced by the demands of her career, including extensive travel and dedication to her craft.
Net worth
Paula Abdul, known for her achievements in music, television and dance, has amassed an estimated net worth of $30 million. Her wealth comes primarily from her hugely successful music career in the late 1980s and early 1990s, which was marked by the massive success of her debut album Forever Your Girl, which sold millions of copies and spawned several number-one singles. This success and her extensive choreography initially propelled her to prominence.
Abdul’s career took a big step forward with her role as a judge on American Idol from 2002 to 2009, where she earned a substantial salary and significantly increased her net worth. She has maintained her presence in the entertainment industry by serving as a judge on shows such as X Factor And So you think you can jump.
In addition to her television work, Abdul has returned to live performance, including tours and a planned Las Vegas residency, which continue to add to her income. Her music career, with occasional new releases and her status as a pop icon, ensures that she continues to earn money from her extensive back catalogue and public appearances.
Discography
- Forever Your Girl (1988) – This debut album included hits like “Straight Up,” “Cold Hearted,” “Opposites Attract,” and “Forever Your Girl.”
- Shut Up and Dance (1990) – Featured songs include “Rush Rush,” “The Promise of a New Day,” and “Blowing Kisses in the Wind.”
- Spellbound (1991) – Known for songs like “Vibeology,” “Blowing Me Up (With Her Love),” and “Will You Marry Me?”
- Head Over Heels (1995) – Her final studio album of the 90s with singles like “My Love Is for Real”.
In addition to her studio albums, Paula Abdul has released numerous compilation albums and greatest hits albums, reflecting her enduring popularity.
List of movies played
Movie
Paula Abdul’s film appearances are few, but she has had guest roles or recurring roles in the following films:
- “Saturday Night Live” – Although not a movie, her appearances on this show are often noted.
- “Kazaam” (1996) – She had a small role in this fantasy comedy starring Shaquille O’Neal.
- “American Idol: The Movie” (2006) – This is a mock documentary style film that capitalizes on her popularity from the TV show.
TV show
- “American Idol” (2002-2009) – As one of the original judges, she became a household name thanks to her role on this hugely popular talent search show.
- “The X Factor” (2011-2012) – She was a judge on the US version of season 2.
- “So You Think You Can Dance” – She appeared as a guest judge on various seasons, with a more permanent role in Season 12 (2015).
- “Celebrity Duets” (2006) – A short-lived show where she was a guest performer.
- “Live to Dance” (2011) – She participated as a judge in this dance competition.
- “The Masked Singer” (2019) – She appeared as a guest panelist.