Paula Abdul (born June 19, 1962) is an American singer, dancer, choreographer, actress, and television personality. She began her career as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers and became head choreographer for the Laker Girls. Discovered by the Jacksons, she choreographed for Janet Jackson before signing to Virgin Records.
Her debut album, Forever Your Girl (1988), sold seven million copies. Her second album, Spellbound (1991), included hits like “Rush Rush.” Abdul was a judge on American Idol from 2002-2009 and won several MTV Video Music Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards.
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Paula Abdul Net Worth
Paula Abdul has a net worth of $20 million. In the early seasons of “American Idol”, she reportedly earned $1 million per year. After a contract renegotiation in 2008, her salary increased to between $5 million and $8 million per season, with some reports suggesting it peaked at $8 million by her 8th season.
Randy Jackson earned a similar range of $5 million to $6.5 million, while Simon Cowell was the highest-paid judge at $36 million per season. Despite salary differences, Abdul supported other judges’ higher earnings.
Early life
Paula Abdul was born in San Fernando, California. She is Jewish, with her father, Harry Abdul, of Syrian Jewish descent, born in Aleppo, Syria, and her mother, Lorraine Abdul, a concert pianist of Jewish heritage from Minnedosa, Manitoba. Abdul has an older sister, Wendy.
Inspired by Gene Kelly in Singin’ in the Rain, Abdul began taking dance lessons early. She attended Van Nuys High School, where she was a cheerleader and honor student. At 15, she earned a scholarship to a dance camp and later joined the Laker Girls, becoming head choreographer by 1981.
Career
Paula Abdul’s first major job was choreographing the “Torture” music video for The Jacksons, after a few band members discovered her at an LA Lakers game. She also choreographed their “Victory” tour. Abdul choreographed the iconic giant keyboard scene in the 1988 film “Big”.
In 1987, she used her savings to record a demo and was signed by Virgin Records. Although an untrained singer, she underwent voice coaching. Her debut album, “Forever Your Girl” (1988), became the most successful debut album at the time, spending 10 weeks atop Billboard and earning Platinum status. She won her first Grammy for “Opposites Attract.”
Personal life
Paula Abdul married actor Emilio Estevez in 1992, but they divorced in 1994. In 1995, Abdul explained that the divorce stemmed from her desire to have children, while Estevez, who had two children from a previous relationship, did not.
Abdul married clothing designer Brad Beckerman in 1996 at the New England Carousel Museum in Bristol, Connecticut. They divorced in 1998 after 17 months of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences.
What was Paula Abdul diagnosed with?
In 2005, Paula Abdul revealed that she had been diagnosed with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), a neurological disorder causing chronic pain. She explained that the condition stemmed from a cheerleading accident she experienced at the age of 17. Abdul made this disclosure in response to allegations of drug use.
Conclusion
Paula Abdul’s career in entertainment has been marked by versatility, innovation, and resilience. Her journey from a cheerleader to a celebrated artist and television personality showcases her ability to adapt and thrive in the dynamic world of showbiz.
FAQs about Paula Abdul
- What is Paula Abdul’s net worth?
- Paula Abdul has a net worth of $20 million.
- What are some notable projects Paula Abdul has choreographed?
- Abdul has choreographed for films like “Coming to America” and “The Doors,” and for artists like Janet Jackson.
- What was Paula Abdul’s role in “American Idol”?
- She served as a judge on “American Idol,” known for her compassionate and encouraging feedback.
- Has Paula Abdul won any major awards?
- Yes, she has won a Grammy and several MTV Video Music Awards.
- Does Paula Abdul have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
- Yes, she received her star in 1991.
