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Paula Abdul

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description Paula Abdul Overview

Paula Abdul is an American singer, dancer, choreographer, and television personality. She began her entertainment career as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers before becoming a prominent choreographer in the 1980s, notably working on Janet Jackson's 1986 "Control" album. In 1988, she transitioned to a singing career with her debut pop album, "Forever Your Girl." Later in her career, she achieved widespread television recognition by serving as an original judge on the reality singing competition "American Idol."

help Paula Abdul FAQ

Which Janet Jackson videos did Paula Abdul choreograph during the Control era?

Her credits include What Have You Done for Me Lately, Nasty, When I Think of You, and Control. These videos accompanied Janet Jackson's 1986 album Control.

How did the Los Angeles Lakers lead to Paula Abdul's choreography career?

Abdul joined the Laker Girls and became their head choreographer. Her work attracted the attention of the Jackson family, helping her move into professional music-video choreography.

Did Paula Abdul choreograph her own music videos after becoming a singer?

Dance remained central to videos such as Straight Up, Cold Hearted, and Opposites Attract. Straight Up became a major hit from her debut album Forever Your Girl.

What style made Paula Abdul's 1980s choreography recognizable?

Her routines combined jazz precision, cheer-derived formations, theatrical gestures, and street-influenced pop movement. That mix is especially visible in Janet Jackson's Nasty and Abdul's own Cold Hearted video.