Paula Abdul on Fox

Interviewer: Fox

Date: 12 January 2007

Her glory days in music behind her now, Paula Abdul has experienced an astronomical resurgence in popularity as one of the judging panel of the hit show American Idol.

In her heyday as musician, Paula Abdul sold more than seven million copies of her debut album, Forever Your Girl, in the US alone. Released under Virgin records, the 1988 album was propelled by a string of #1s, namely “Straight Up”, “Forever Your Girl,” “Cold Hearted,” and “Opposites Attract.”

Three years later saw the release of her multi-platinum Spellbound, whose tracks include the ballad “Rush, Rush,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five weeks.

Paul Abdul always had an innate adeptness for dancing. In college, she was enlisted by the cheerleading team of the Los Angeles Lakers and ultimately headed it — while working as dance choreographer on the side.

Jackie of the Jacksons soon employed her to choreograph their “Victory” concert and the music video for “Torture.” Jackie’s sister, Janet Jackson, hired her thereafter to choreograph the videos of the singles from Control. These made Paula one of the most sought-after choreographers in the industry, with clients like ZZ Top, Pointer Sisters, George Michael and Duran Duran.

A third studio album, Head Over Heels, was released in 1995. Sadly, the album was considered a commercial flop. Caught in a career standstill, Abdul sidelined as an actress. In 2000, she reignited the career of fellow 80s pop star Kylie Minogue by co-writing her chartbuster “Spinning Around.” Two years later, Abdul’s career itself enjoyed resurgence when she was selected as a judge for American Idol.

In 2008 — the first time in twelve years — Paula Abdul released a new recording entitled “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow.”