Paula Abdul Biography
Paula Julie Abdul is an American singer, dancer, choreographer, actress, and television personality. Her stardom began with choreographing music videos for Janet Jackson, establishing her as a highly sought-after choreographer in the industry. Paula then catapulted into the music scene, achieving remarkable success as a singer with chart-topping singles like "Rush Rush" (1991) and albums such as her debut "Forever Your Girl" (1988), which surpassed 7 million copies sold in the United States alone. Beyond her music career, Abdul made a lasting impact on television as one of the original judges on the groundbreaking series American Idol from 2002 to 2009. Her influence extended further with roles as a judge on The X Factor, Live to Dance, So You Think You Can Dance, and The Masked Dancer.
Paula Abdul Famous For
- Being a singer, songwriter, dancer, choreographer, actress, and television personality
- For choreographing music videos for Janet Jackson
- For her debut album "Forever Your Girl" and song "Rush Rush"
Paula Abdul Parents
Paula Abdul was born on June 19, 1962. She is from San Fernando, California, USA. Her birth name is Paula Julie Abdul. The celebrated artist marked her 61st birthday in 2023. Her parents, Harry Abdul and Lorraine M. Rykiss played significant roles in her life, with her father tracing his roots to Syrian Jewish heritage, having been born in Aleppo, Syria, and raised in Brazil before immigrating to the United States. Her mother, a concert pianist, added a musical dimension to the family. Paula Abdul, American by nationality and of mixed ethnicity with Jewish descent from ancestors in Russia and Ukraine, has an older sister named Wendy. Raised in the Jewish faith, Abdul commenced her dance journey at an early age, exploring ballet, jazz, and tap.
A graduate of Van Nuys High School in 1978, where she excelled as a cheerleader and honor student, Abdul furthered her passion for dance by earning a scholarship to attend a dance camp at the age of 15. Her journey into the spotlight began when she became a Laker Girl for the NBA team Los Angeles Lakers, eventually becoming the head choreographer. Departing from California State University at Northridge, where she initially pursued broadcasting, Abdul embraced a flourishing career in dance and choreography, leaving an indelible mark with the Laker Girls until 1986.
Paula Abdul Career
- Paula Abdul's journey to stardom began when she was discovered by The Jacksons while choreographing their "Torture" music video.
- This success led to her becoming a renowned choreographer for artists like Janet Jackson and the choreographer for The Jacksons' Victory tour.
- In 1987, she transitioned to singing, signing with Virgin Records America and releasing her debut album, "Forever Your Girl," which became the most successful debut album at the time.
- The album produced four number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Abdul's second album, "Spellbound" (1991), continued her success with two more number-one hits.
- Despite a brief hiatus for personal and physical issues, she returned with her third album, "Head over Heels" (1995), which had moderate success.
- After a couple of years, Abdul appeared in the ABC television film "Touched By Evil".
- In the early 2000s, Paula Abdul's career took diverse turns. Despite her departure from Virgin Records, two compilation albums, "Greatest Hits" (2000) and "Greatest Hits: Straight Up!" (2007), were released.
- She ventured into television, co-producing the unaired pilot for the MTV series "Skirts" in 2001.
- In 2002, she gained widespread recognition as a compassionate judge on the Fox reality competition "American Idol," earning praise for her mentoring role.
- Concurrently, Abdul faced challenges with fellow judge Simon Cowell's harsh critiques, almost leading her to leave the show.
- Her reality series "Hey Paula" (2007) showcased her life but received criticism for erratic behavior, leading to its cancellation after one season.
- Abdul delved into jewelry with "Paula Abdul Jewelry" on QVC and briefly returned to music in 2008 with the single "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow."
- Her role on "American Idol" ended in 2009 due to stalled negotiations. Post-"Idol," Abdul engaged in various projects, including hosting "RAH!" on MTV and participating in the short-lived series "Live to Dance" (2011).
- She rejoined Simon Cowell on "The X Factor" and became a judge on "So You Think You Can Dance Australia" in 2013.
- In April 2014, Abdul was a guest judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race", which reunited her with previous Idol contestant Adore Delano.
- In 2015, Abdul made a guest appearance on the comedy sitcom "Real Husbands of Hollywood" on its season 4 premiere.
- Since 2016, Paula Abdul has made a remarkable return to performing. This resurgence began with her headline set at the Mixtape Festival in 2016, marking her first full performance in 26 years.
- Subsequently, she toured with New Kids on the Block and Boyz II Men in 2017, her first tour in 25 years.
- In 2018, Abdul announced her solo headlining tour, "Straight Up Paula!," across North America.
- The celebration of the 30th anniversary of her debut album Forever Your Girl included a medley of her greatest hits at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards.
- She also kicked off her Las Vegas residency, "Paula Abdul: Forever Your Girl," in 2019.
- Abdul continued to showcase her diverse talents, from opening LA Pride to surprise performances at America's Got Talent and guest-judging on shows like American Idol and Dancing with the Stars.
- In 2023, she expanded her involvement in the entertainment industry by joining the producing team of the Broadway musical How to Dance in Ohio and participating as a contestant on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.
Paula Abdul Awards
- American Music Awards (1990): Favorite Dance Artist - Won
- American Music Awards (1992): Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist - Won
- Billboard Music Video Awards (1989): Best Female Video ("Straight Up") - Won
- Billboard Music Video Awards (1989): Best New Artists Video ("Straight Up") - Won
- Billboard Music Video Awards (1989): Best Editing ("Cold Hearted") - Won
- Billboard Music Video Awards (1989): Best Choreography ("Cold Hearted") - Won
- Grammy Awards (1991): Best Short Form Music Video ("Opposites Attract") - Won
- GLAAD Gala (2019): Ariadne Getty Ally - Won
- Hollywood Walk of Fame (1991): Honored
- Hollywood Christmas Parade (2023): Humanitarian of the Year - Honored
- Industry Dance Awards (2014): Icon - Honored
- Los Angeles Music Awards (1992): Pop Album of the Year ("Spellbound") - Won
- MTV Video Music Awards (1987): Best Choreography in a Video ("Nasty" by Janet Jackson) - Won
- MTV Video Music Awards (1989): Best Female Video ("Straight Up") - Won
- MTV Video Music Awards (1989): Best Dance Video ("Straight Up") - Won
- MTV Video Music Awards (1989): Best Choreography in a Video ("Straight Up") - Won
- MTV Video Music Awards (1989): Best Editing in a Video ("Straight Up") - Won
- Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards (1990): Favorite Female Musician/Group - Won
- Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards (1991): Hall of Fame - Won
- People's Choice Awards (1990): Favorite Female Musical Performer - Won
- People's Choice Awards (1991): Won
- Soul Train Music Awards (1990): Best Song of the Year ("Straight Up") - Nominated
- Teen Choice Awards (2003): Choice TV: Reality Babe - Won
- YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund AMY Awards (2006): Leadership - Won
Paula Abdul Personal Life
Paula Abdul, a previously married woman, is currently leading a single life. She married her first husband, Emilio Estevez on 29th April 1992. In December 1991, the duo started dating each other. They settled for divorce on May 1, 1994. She then tied the knot with her second husband, Brad Beckerman on October 24, 1996. They got divorced in 1997. Since then, she has been enjoying her single life happily.
Paula Abdul Net Worth
Paula Abdul is a dancer, choreographer, singer, actor, and producer whose net worth is estimated to be $30 million as of 2023. From her multiple careers, she is making an annual salary of over $4 million. Her primary source of wealth comes from the music industry whereas her secondary source of income is from the entertainment profession, choreographer, voice actor, music video director, and more.
Her work with the "Laker Girls" led her to choreography gigs for television, music videos, films, and tours, and also saw her working with the entire Jackson family, including choreographing Janet Jackson's "Control" tour, as well as choreographing sequences for "Big", "Coming to America", "Jerry Maguire", "American Beauty", "Can't Buy Me Love", and a long list of other high profile projects.
Moreover, Paula has also endorsed or promoted several brands such as Forever Your Curl. In 2007, Paula Abdul Jewelry launched its nationwide consumer debut on QVC, with the tagline "fashion jewelry designed with heart and soul." Her first QVC appearance resulted in 15 sellouts of her first jewelry collection involving more than 34,000 pieces. She is leading a lavish lifestyle as of now.
Paula Abdul Height
Paula Abdul is a beautiful singer and dancer who stands tall at the perfect height of 5 ft or 152.5 cm. She has a body weight of 49 kg or 108 lbs. She has a pair of dark brown hair which she often tends to dye in different shades. She has gorgeous dark brown eyes. She has a mole on her left cheek. In the past, she has struggled with an eating disorder and body dysmorphia. As of now, she has got a healthy body.
