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Fun Facts About Paula Abdul

Posted: 10:40 am PST January 2, 2007Updated: 11:38 am PST January 10, 2007

Paula Abdul began dance lessons around the age of eight. She was inspired by the film ‘Singin’ in the Rain.’ As a young girl, her ultimate goal was to be like Gene Kelly. At 16, Paula became extremely self conscious of her weight and became bulimic. She struggled with her eating disorder for many years.

In the early 1980’s, Paula auditioned to cheer for the LA Lakers dance troupe, the Laker Girls. Her unique dance style earned her the position of head choreographer. While dancing for the Lakers, Abdul’s high-energy, street funk style caught the attention of the Jackson family. She was hired at age 20 to choreograph a music video for their 1984 victory album. In 1988, Paula choreographed the piano scene in movie “Big.”

Ms. Abdul is one of the most recognized pop singers and choreographers in film, television, video, stage, and live tours. She has worked with numerous music legends including Janet Jackson, Aretha Franklin, George Michael, Luther Vandross, INXS, Heart and Prince. Abdul's favorite memory is dancing alongside her idol, Gene Kelly, in the Diet Coke commercial that was inducted into the Coca-Cola Hall of Fame Museum as one of that company's top commercial campaigns.

American Idol contestants praise Paula's positive feedback. She has even designed inspirational good-luck jewelry for the Idol contestants. Abdul designs a jewelry collection called "Inergy," consisting of hand-made gold and silver pendants and bracelets. She also has designed a line of cheerleading attire and dancewear for young girls and teenagers called "Skirtz," inspired by her own dance and cheer career.

Paula has three long haired Chihuahuas named: Thumbelina, Tulip, and Tinkerbelle.