August 05, 2009
10 Facts about Paula Abdul
Following the news that Paula will not be returning as a judge on "Idol," we dug around to bring you 10 tidbits about the choreographer and artist.
Following the news that Paula will not be returning as a judge on "Idol," we dug around to bring you 10 tidbits about the choreographer and artist.
Paula Abdul made it as a Los Angeles Lakers Girl when she was a freshman at California State University in Northridge. After three months on the team, Paula became head choreographer.
Paula was married to actor Emilio Estevez from 1992 to 1994. In 1996, she married sportswear designer Brad Beckerman — they divorced in 1998.
She choreographed music videos for Janet Jackson, Prince, George Michael and Duran Duran.
Paula has scored six #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Paula has choreographed pieces for multiple blockbusters. Abdul created the giant keyboard dance for Tom Hanks in "Big." She also choreographed Cuba Gooding Jr.'s memorable touchdown celebration in "Jerry Maguire."
She won a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video for her single Opposites Attract. The video featured the animated dancing cat named MC Skat Kat.
Paula runs dance and cheerleading camps, competitions and scholarship programs around the world.
Paula won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Choreography in 1989 for “The Tracey Ullman Show.” She won again in the same category in 1990 for the 17th American Music Awards.
Paula is a huge dog lover. She has three long-haired Chihuahuas named Thumbelina, Tulip and Tinkerbelle.
Her 1989 #1 hit Straight Up was ranked #81 on VH1's 100 Greatest Dance Songs.