Paula Abdul

Paula Julie Abdul, born on June 19, 1962, is an American multi-talent — a singer, dancer, choreographer, actress, and television personality. She kicked off her career as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers at the tender age of 18, swiftly advancing to become the head choreographer for the Laker Girls. It was in this capacity that she caught the attention of The Jacksons. Abdul achieved mainstream fame as one of the original judges on the hit television series "American Idol," serving from 2002 to 2009. She further expanded her TV credentials by appearing as a judge on several other reality competition shows, including "The X Factor," "Live to Dance," "So You Think You Can Dance," and "The Masked Dancer." In the film industry, Abdul has lent her choreography skills to numerous films, including "Can't Buy Me Love" (1987), "The Running Man" (1987), "Coming to America" (1988), "Action Jackson" (1988), "The Doors" (1991), "Jerry Maguire" (1996), and "American Beauty" (1999). Abdul's efforts have earned her considerable acclaim, including 17 MTV Video Music Award nominations, with five wins, and a Grammy Award for Best Music Video for "Opposites Attract" in 1991. She also won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography twice, both for her work on "The Tracey Ullman Show" and her performance at the American Music Awards in 1990. Furthermore, Abdul has been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and became the first entertainer honored with the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Hall of Fame Award.