Biography Specials Season 1 Episode 28 Paula Abdul
- January 23, 2011
Paula Abdul is an American dancer, choreographer, singer, actress, and television personality who rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In this Biography Specials episode, viewers are given an intimate look into her fascinating life and career.
The episode begins with Abdul’s childhood, growing up in a Jewish family in California. She is the daughter of a Syrian Jewish father and a Canadian mother. Abdul’s love for dance started at a young age, and she began taking ballet lessons when she was just three years old. As she grew older, Abdul became passionate about other styles of dance, including tap and jazz.
Viewers get to see rare footage of Abdul dancing in her early days, including her performance as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s. Abdul’s career in choreography took off when she became a choreographer for The Jacksons’ music video for “Torture.” She quickly became in high demand and choreographed for numerous artists, including Janet Jackson, Prince, and Duran Duran.
In the midst of her rising fame as a choreographer, Abdul decided to pursue a career in singing. She released her debut album, “Forever Your Girl,” in 1988, which went on to become a huge commercial success. Her catchy pop songs and dance-heavy music videos helped make her one of the biggest stars of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The episode also highlights Abdul’s role as a judge on the hit reality television show “American Idol.” Abdul was one of the original judges on the show, which premiered in 2002, and quickly became a fan favorite. Her charming personality and encouragement of contestants helped make the show a massive success.
Viewers also get a glimpse into Abdul’s personal life, including her highly publicized marriage to actor Emilio Estevez in 1992, which ended in divorce two years later. Abdul’s struggles with addiction and chronic pain are also discussed, as well as her impressive resilience in overcoming these challenges.
Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to interviews with Abdul’s friends, family, and colleagues, who provide insights into her life and career. The episode features appearances from fellow “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell, as well as Abdul’s former choreography clients, including Janet Jackson. The episode also includes rare archival footage from Abdul’s personal collection.
Overall, this Biography Specials episode is a fascinating look at the life and career of one of the biggest entertainment stars of the past few decades. Abdul’s story is one of talent, hard work, and perseverance, and viewers will walk away with a newfound appreciation for her remarkable journey.