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Paula Abdul

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Paula Abdul: Biography

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Birth Name: Paula Julie Abdul
Birth Place: San Fernando, CA
Date of Birth / Zodiac Sign: 06/19/1962, Gemini
Profession: Singer; dancer; choreographer; TV personality

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This former pop princess started out as a Laker Girl before becoming an Emmy-winning choreographer for performers (Janet Jackson), movies (Coming to America) and TV series (The Tracey Ullman Show). She stepped into the spotlight with her first album, Forever Your Girl, in 1988, which spawned a succession of hit singles and made her a familiar face on MTV. In the '90s Abdul more or less disappeared and was considered a has-been when she signed on as a judge on American Idol. Her touchy-feely presence on the popular televised competition revived her career and helped her weather a handful of scandals, including an alleged affair with a contestant, a hit-and-run accident and loopy behavior that prompted tabloids to claim she was either on drugs or the sauce.Paula Abdul Fast Facts:

Began her climb to fame as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Star Wars impresario George Lucas directed her video for "Rush, Rush," which featured Keanu Reeves.
Served as Val Kilmer's choreographer for his performance as Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's The Doors (1991).
Released an exercise video in 1995 titled Paula Abdul's Get Up and Dance!.
Teamed up with fellow American Idol judge Randy Jackson to create the instructional DVD Ultimate Voice Coach--Learn to Sing like a Star!.