Paula Abdul is a multi-talented American artist who found success as a singer, dancer, choreographer, actress, and television personality. Her career began as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers, leading to her choreography work with the Laker Girls and a pivotal discovery by the Jacksons. After choreographing videos for Janet Jackson, she became a sought-after choreographer during the music video boom. Abdul's debut album, "Forever Your Girl" (1988), achieved remarkable success, selling 7 million copies in the US and setting a record for the most number-one singles from a debut album on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She continued to release chart-topping hits, solidifying her place as a prominent figure in the music industry.
June 19, 1962: Birth of Paula Abdul
Paula Julie Abdul was born on June 19, 1962. This marks the beginning of her journey to becoming a renowned figure in the entertainment industry.
1978: Film Debut in "Junior High School"
At the age of 16, Paula Abdul made her film debut in the low-budget independent musical "Junior High School" in 1978.
1980: High School Graduation
Paula Abdul graduated from Van Nuys High School in 1980, marking the completion of her high school education.
1986: End of Laker Girls Journey
Paula Abdul's time as a choreographer for the Los Angeles Lakers cheerleading squad, the Laker Girls, came to an end in 1986.
1987: Choreography Debut in Films
Paula Abdul showcased her choreography skills in films like "Can't Buy Me Love" and "The Running Man", marking her foray into the world of film choreography.
1987: Signing with Virgin Records
Recognizing her potential as a singer, Jeff Ayeroff signed Paula Abdul to Virgin Records in 1987, setting the stage for her successful music career.
1988: Release of Debut Album "Forever Your Girl"
In 1988, Paula Abdul released her debut album, "Forever Your Girl", which achieved remarkable success, topping charts and setting records with multiple number-one singles.
1988: Choreography for the Jacksons
In 1988, Paula Abdul's talent led her to choreograph the music video for the Jacksons' single "Torture", a pivotal step in her career.
1988: Choreography in Notable Films
Paula Abdul's choreography talent was featured in prominent films such as "Coming to America" and "Action Jackson", further solidifying her reputation.
1988: Release and Success of "Forever Your Girl"
Paula Abdul's debut album, "Forever Your Girl", was released in 1988 and achieved phenomenal success, becoming the most successful debut album at the time and earning her a Grammy Award.
1990: American Music Award Win
Paula Abdul won the award for Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock at the 1990 American Music Awards, presented to her by Donnie Wahlberg.
1990: Emmy Award-Winning Performance
Paula Abdul's exceptional performance at the American Music Awards in 1990 earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography.
October 1991: Start of "Under My Spell" Tour
Paula Abdul embarked on her "Under My Spell" tour in October 1991, captivating audiences with her performances.
December 1991: Hollywood Walk of Fame Honor
In December 1991, Paula Abdul received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
1991: Lawsuit Regarding "Opposites Attract"
In 1991, Paula Abdul faced a lawsuit alleging that vocals on some tracks of her album, particularly "Opposites Attract", belonged to another singer.
1991: Release of Second Album "Spellbound"
Paula Abdul continued her success with the release of her second album, "Spellbound", in 1991, featuring chart-topping hits like "Rush Rush" and "The Promise of a New Day".
1991: Choreography Contribution to "The Doors"
Paula Abdul contributed her choreography to the biographical musical film "The Doors", showcasing her versatility across genres.
August 1992: Conclusion of "Under My Spell" Tour
After nearly a year on the road, Paula Abdul concluded her successful "Under My Spell" tour in August 1992.
1992: Marriage to Emilio Estevez
Paula Abdul married actor Emilio Estevez in 1992.
1992: Plane Crash Injury
Paula Abdul was involved in a plane crash in 1992 while on her Under My Spell Tour, resulting in injuries that necessitated 15 cervical surgeries.
1993: Victory in Lawsuit
After a two-year legal battle, Paula Abdul emerged victorious in 1993 when a jury ruled in her favor, dismissing claims against her.
1994: Divorce from Emilio Estevez
Paula Abdul filed for divorce from Emilio Estevez in 1994 after two years of marriage.
1994: Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa
Paula Abdul sought treatment for bulimia nervosa in 1994, a condition she later revealed had first surfaced during her teenage years and escalated after she achieved pop stardom.
1995: Release of "Head over Heels" and "Get Up and Dance!"
In 1995, Paula Abdul released her third studio album, "Head over Heels," featuring a blend of pop and R&B. The album's lead single, "My Love Is for Real," incorporated Middle Eastern musical elements and achieved commercial success. The same year, Abdul also released a dance workout video, "Paula Abdul's Get Up and Dance!," showcasing a fast-paced, hip-hop style workout.
1995: Reason for Divorce Revealed
In 1995, Paula Abdul revealed that the reason for her divorce from Emilio Estevez was their differing views on having children; Abdul desired children while Estevez, who already had two children from a previous relationship, did not.
1996: Marriage to Brad Beckerman
Paula Abdul married clothing designer Brad Beckerman in 1996 at the New England Carousel Museum in Bristol, Connecticut.
1996: Choreography in "Jerry Maguire"
Paula Abdul's choreography graced the romantic comedy-drama "Jerry Maguire", starring Tom Cruise.
1997: Co-writes "Spinning Around" and Appears in "Touched By Evil"
In 1997, Paula Abdul collaborated with record producer and composer Kara DioGuardi to co-write the song "Spinning Around," initially intended as her comeback single. However, the song was later given to Kylie Minogue. That same year, Abdul showcased her acting skills in the ABC television film "Touched By Evil," portraying a businesswoman who uncovers her boyfriend's dark secret as a serial rapist.
1998: Divorce from Brad Beckerman
After 17 months of marriage, Paula Abdul and Brad Beckerman filed for divorce in 1998, citing irreconcilable differences.
1998: Release of "Cardio Dance" and Choreography for "Reefer Madness"
In 1998, Paula Abdul released her second workout video, "Cardio Dance." She also ventured into choreography for film and theater productions, notably the musical "Reefer Madness."
1999: Choreography for "American Beauty"
In 1999, Paula Abdul contributed her choreography skills to the cheerleading scenes in the critically acclaimed film "American Beauty."
1999: Choreography in "American Beauty"
Paula Abdul's choreography was featured in the critically acclaimed film "American Beauty".
2000: Release of "Cardio Dance" on DVD and "Paula Abdul: Greatest Hits"
Paula Abdul's workout video, "Cardio Dance," was rereleased on DVD in 2000. Virgin Records also released Abdul's first compilation album, "Paula Abdul: Greatest Hits," in 2000.
2000: Release of "Paula Abdul: Greatest Hits"
Virgin Records released "Paula Abdul: Greatest Hits," the first compilation album by Paula Abdul, in 2000.
2001: Co-produces Pilot for MTV's "Skirts"
In 2001, Paula Abdul took on the role of co-producer for the pilot episode of "Skirts," a proposed MTV television series about a high school cheerleading squad. Abdul was also slated to appear in the series as the head coach. However, the pilot was not picked up for a full series and never aired.
2002: Becomes Judge on "American Idol"
Paula Abdul embarked on a new chapter in her career in 2002 when she joined the judging panel of the Fox reality competition series "American Idol." Her compassionate and supportive demeanor towards the contestants earned her widespread praise and contrasted with the often-blunt critiques of fellow judge Simon Cowell.
2002: Start of "American Idol" Journey
Paula Abdul embarked on her journey as a judge on the popular television series "American Idol" in 2002.
2003: Transcendental Meditation Practitioner
It was reported in 2003 that Paula Abdul had become a practitioner of Transcendental Meditation.
2003: Rerelease of "Get Up and Dance!"
Paula Abdul's dance workout video, "Get Up and Dance!," was rereleased on DVD in 2003.
November 2004: Diagnosis with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Paula Abdul received a diagnosis of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), a neurological disorder that causes chronic pain, in November 2004.
December 2004: Hit-and-Run Incident
In December 2004, Paula Abdul was involved in a hit-and-run incident on a Los Angeles freeway. She was accused of hitting another vehicle and leaving the scene without providing assistance.
March 2005: Plea Deal in Hit-and-Run Case
In March 2005, Paula Abdul pleaded no contest to misdemeanor hit-and-run charges stemming from the December 2004 incident. She received a fine, probation, and was ordered to pay for damages.
April 2005: Abdul Reveals RSD Diagnosis Amidst Substance Abuse Allegations
In April 2005, facing public scrutiny and allegations of erratic behavior on American Idol, Paula Abdul revealed her Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) diagnosis, stating that she was pain-free after treatment.
May 2005: Affair Allegations by Corey Clark
In May 2005, former American Idol contestant Corey Clark alleged that he had an affair with Paula Abdul during his time on the show and that she had provided him with coaching to advance in the competition.
August 2005: Fox Clears Abdul of Wrongdoing, Abdul Returns to American Idol
Following an investigation into Corey Clark's allegations, Fox announced in August 2005 that they found insufficient evidence to support the claims. Abdul, who had received support from several celebrities, returned to American Idol.
December 2005: Launch of "Cardio Cheer" DVD Series and Burger King Commercial Choreography
In December 2005, Paula Abdul launched "Cardio Cheer," a cheerleading/fitness/dance DVD series targeted towards young girls involved in cheerleading and dance. Abdul also showcased her choreography talents by choreographing The King's touchdown celebration for a series of Burger King television commercials aired during the 2005–06 NFL season.
2005: Goodspeed's American Idol Audition
Paula Goodspeed, before her death in 2008, auditioned for American Idol in 2005 during a stop in Austin, Texas. She was a devoted fan who had legally changed her name to Paula.
2005: Public Disclosure of RSD Diagnosis
In 2005, Paula Abdul publicly revealed that she had been diagnosed with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) in November 2004. She attributed the condition to a "cheerleading accident" she experienced at the age of 17 and shared her diagnosis amidst allegations of drug use.
April 2006: Battery Report Filed
Paula Abdul filed a report with the Hollywood police in April 2006, alleging that she had been a victim of battery at a private party on April 2. According to the report, Abdul claimed that a man at the party had argued with her, grabbed her arm, threw her against a wall, and caused a concussion and spinal injuries.
November 2006: Invitation to Israel
Israeli Tourism Minister Isaac Herzog extended an invitation to Paula Abdul to visit Israel in November 2006, to which she responded with a hug and expressed her desire to visit.
2006: Guest Judge on "The X Factor UK"
In 2006, Paula Abdul made a guest appearance on the third season of "The X Factor UK" as a guest judge during the audition rounds. She joined the regular judging panel, consisting of Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, and Louis Walsh.
January 2007: New Allegations of Substance Abuse Surface
In January 2007, videos of Paula Abdul appearing disoriented during interviews fueled further speculation about substance abuse. While her publicist attributed this to fatigue and technical issues, the incident renewed public scrutiny of Abdul's behavior.
February 2007: Abdul Denies Drug and Alcohol Abuse Allegations
Responding to the allegations surrounding her behavior, Paula Abdul vehemently denied ever using illegal drugs or being drunk in February 2007. She labeled the accusations as "lies" in an interview with Us Weekly.
2007: Launch of Paula Abdul Jewelry on QVC
In 2007, Paula Abdul ventured into the world of fashion jewelry with the launch of her own line, Paula Abdul Jewelry, on the home shopping network QVC. The brand's tagline, "fashion jewelry designed with heart and soul," resonated with customers, and Abdul's first appearance on QVC resulted in numerous sellouts.
2007: Release of "Greatest Hits: Straight Up!" and Premiere of "Hey Paula"
In 2007, Virgin Records released Paula Abdul's second compilation album, "Greatest Hits: Straight Up!" and made her entire catalog under the label available for digital download on iTunes. That same year, Bravo premiered "Hey Paula," a reality television series providing viewers with an inside look into Abdul's daily life. However, the show was met with criticism, and its depiction of Abdul's behavior was labeled "erratic" by some, leading to its cancellation after a single season.
February 2008: Guest Appearance on "Hotel Babylon"
Paula Abdul made a guest appearance on an episode of the British television series "Hotel Babylon" in February 2008.
November 11, 2008: Death of Paula Goodspeed
On November 11, 2008, Paula Goodspeed, an obsessive fan of Paula Abdul, was found dead in her car outside Abdul's home. Her death was ruled a suicide by drug overdose.
January 2009: Hosts MTV's "RAH!"
In January 2009, Paula Abdul took on the role of host for "RAH!," a cheerleading competition that aired on MTV. The show featured five collegiate squads going head-to-head in a series of challenges, with Abdul ultimately crowning the winning team.
May 2009: Conflicting Reports Regarding Prescription Medication Dependence
In May 2009, Ladies' Home Journal published an article alleging Paula Abdul's stay at a resort to recover from dependence on prescription pain medications. However, Abdul refuted the article's claims, denying any rehab stint or drug abuse problem.
May 2009: Releases "I'm Just Here for the Music" and Performs on "American Idol"
In May 2009, Paula Abdul debuted her latest single, "I'm Just Here for the Music." The song, originally intended for Kylie Minogue's album "Body Language," was premiered on Ryan Seacrest's KIIS-FM radio show and performed by Abdul on "American Idol." The single performed modestly, reaching number 87 on the Billboard Hot 100.
May 2009: National Guide Dog Month Advocacy
Paula Abdul, a known dog lover, used her platform to raise awareness about National Guide Dog Month in May 2009. She partnered with Dick Van Patten in support of providing guide dogs to individuals with blindness, advocating for their independence.
July 2009: Announces Departure from "American Idol"
In July 2009, news broke of Paula Abdul's departure from "American Idol" after stalled contract negotiations. Reports suggested that Abdul had been seeking a significant salary increase to return to the show, but negotiations ultimately fell through, leading to her exit.
2009: Departure from "American Idol"
After seven seasons, Paula Abdul's time as a judge on "American Idol" came to an end in 2009.
January 2010: Presents Lifetime Achievement Award at The Carnival: Choreographer's Ball
In January 2010, Paula Abdul presented choreographer Julie McDonald with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 11th Anniversary show of The Carnival: Choreographer's Ball.
January 2011: Joins "Live to Dance" as Judge and Executive Producer
In January 2011, Paula Abdul joined the CBS reality competition series "Live to Dance" as both a judge and executive producer. The show aimed to celebrate dance rather than focus solely on competition, a distinction that appealed to Abdul.
May 2011: Rejoins Simon Cowell on "The X Factor"
In May 2011, it was announced that Paula Abdul would reunite with Simon Cowell on the judging panel of the American version of "The X Factor."
January 2012: Announces Departure from "The X Factor"
In January 2012, Paula Abdul announced her decision not to return as a judge for the second season of "The X Factor."
October 2012: Guest Judge on "Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars"
Paula Abdul served as a guest judge during week four of "Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars" in October 2012.
April 2013: Appears on "American Idol" Season 12 Results Show
In April 2013, Paula Abdul made a special appearance on the Top 5 results show of "American Idol" season 12. She praised contestant Candice Glover's performance of Abdul's hit song "Straight Up."
July 9, 2013: Guest Judge on So You Think You Can Dance
On July 9, 2013, Paula Abdul appeared as a guest judge on the tenth season of the popular dance competition show, So You Think You Can Dance.
October 2013: Judge on So You Think You Can Dance Australia
In October 2013, Paula Abdul was announced as a judge for the revamped So You Think You Can Dance Australia, which aired on Australia's Network Ten.
2013: Bat Mitzvah in Israel
At the age of 51, Paula Abdul celebrated her bat mitzvah in Safed, Israel, at the International Center for Tzfat Kabbalah in 2013.
April 2014: Guest Appearance on RuPaul's Drag Race
Paula Abdul appeared as a guest judge on an episode of RuPaul's Drag Race titled "Queens of Talk" in April 2014. This episode notably reunited her with Adore Delano, a former contestant from American Idol.
May 1, 2014: So You Think You Can Dance Australia Concludes
May 1, 2014, marked the end of the revamped So You Think You Can Dance Australia season, where Paula Abdul served as a permanent judge for all episodes.
June 2014: Cameo Appearance on Neighbours
Paula Abdul made a cameo appearance on the Australian soap opera Neighbours in June 2014, sharing scenes with established character Karl Kennedy, played by Alan Fletcher.
November 16, 2015: World Choreography Award Win
Paula Abdul, along with Charles "Chucky" Klapow, Renee Richie, and Nakul Dev Mahajan, received the World Choreography Award for Outstanding Choreography Digital Format for their work on the video 'Check Yourself' on November 16, 2015.
November 22, 2015: Presenter at American Music Awards
On November 22, 2015, at the 43rd American Music Awards, Paula Abdul and Donnie Wahlberg took the stage to present the award for Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock, an award which Abdul herself had won in 1990 with Wahlberg as the presenter.
August 6, 2016: Headline Performance at Mixtape Festival
After a 26-year hiatus from headline performances, Paula Abdul took to the stage for a full set at the Mixtape Festival in Hershey, Pennsylvania on August 6, 2016.
November 2016: Total Package Tour Announcement
New Kids on the Block announced their Total Package Tour in November 2016, revealing that Paula Abdul and Boyz II Men would be joining them on the road in 2017. This marked Abdul's return to touring after 25 years.
January 2017: Departure from So You Think You Can Dance
Paula Abdul announced in January 2017 that she would not return as a judge for the fourteenth season of So You Think You Can Dance due to scheduling conflicts with her tour.
July 16, 2017: Total Package Tour Concludes
The Total Package Tour, featuring Paula Abdul, New Kids on the Block, and Boyz II Men, concluded on July 16, 2017, in Hollywood, Florida, marking the end of her first tour in 25 years.
July 2018: Straight Up Paula! Tour Announcement
In July 2018, Paula Abdul announced her solo headlining tour across North America, titled Straight Up Paula!, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of her debut studio album, Forever Your Girl.
May 1, 2019: Las Vegas Residency Announcement
Paula Abdul announced her first Las Vegas residency, titled Paula Abdul: Forever Your Girl, on May 1, 2019.
June 7, 2019: Straight Up Paula! Tour Concludes
Paula Abdul's North American solo tour, Straight Up Paula!, which celebrated the 30th anniversary of her debut album, concluded in Los Angeles, California, on June 7, 2019.
January 2020: Las Vegas Residency First Leg Ends
The first leg of Paula Abdul's Las Vegas residency, Paula Abdul: Forever Your Girl, concluded in January 2020.
October 2020: Panelist on The Masked Dancer
It was announced in October 2020 that Paula Abdul would be joining the panel of judges for Fox's reality competition series, The Masked Dancer.
2020: Response to Plane Crash Doubts
When some gossip sites questioned the validity of her 1992 plane crash injuries, Paula Abdul addressed the skepticism in a 2020 interview, stating that she didn't care about the doubts and highlighted the presence of seven other individuals who were also on the plane during the accident.
April 2021: Guest Judge on American Idol
Paula Abdul returned to American Idol as a guest judge in April 2021, filling in for Luke Bryan while he was recovering from COVID-19.
December 29, 2023: Abdul Files Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Assault
On December 29, 2023, Paula Abdul filed a lawsuit accusing producer Nigel Lythgoe of sexual assault during their time working together on American Idol in the 2000s.
2023: Broadway Production Team and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune
In 2023, Paula Abdul took on a new role behind the scenes, joining the producing team for the Broadway musical How to Dance in Ohio. That same year, she also stepped into the spotlight as a contestant on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.