THE FULL TIMELINE.

Junior High School

An early screen appearance in the independent musical project documents Paula’s first steps toward an entertainment career.

Laker Girls choreography

In the early 1980s, Paula became a Laker Girl and soon helped shape the squad’s performance style as its choreographer.

A new style for the Laker Girls

As head choreographer, Paula favors sharply synchronized routines, helping modernize how the Laker Girls perform.

Choreography for the Jacksons

A breakthrough creative collaboration leads to The Jacksons and the Victory Tour.

The Janet Jackson connection

Innovative choreography helps shape memorable Control-era music videos.

Janet Jackson’s Nasty

Paula’s choreography helps establish the visual language of Janet Jackson’s Control-era hits.

When I Think of You

Choreography for Janet Jackson’s video adds another touchstone to Paula’s early music-video career.

Can’t Buy Me Love

Paula receives choreography credit for the romantic comedy, one of her notable film assignments.

The Running Man

Film choreography takes Paula into a major Hollywood action production.

The Tracey Ullman Show

Paula’s choreographic work for the sketch-comedy series leads to recognition by the television industry.

A 1987 People profile

An early feature surveys Paula’s fast-growing reputation as a choreographer, before the pop records became household hits.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · March 23, 1987

Coming to America

Paula contributes choreography to the Eddie Murphy comedy during her breakthrough recording period.

Knocked Out

The debut single begins the Forever Your Girl story.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 1988

The Way That You Love Me

An early single from Forever Your Girl, later a major hit.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · August 2, 1988

Straight Up takes off

The single becomes a defining crossover pop moment.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · November 22, 1988

Straight Up video choreography

The David Fincher-directed black-and-white video turns Paula’s movement into an instantly recognizable pop image.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January, 1989

Straight Up reaches No. 1

The single leads a remarkable run of chart-topping hits from Paula’s debut album.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · February 11, 1989

From Laker Girl to recording artist

A Los Angeles Times profile catches Paula at the moment her singing career and dance career converge.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · February 12, 1989

Forever Your Girl — title track

The album’s title track becomes a defining single.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · February 20, 1989

Paula arrives in the British music press

A contemporary U.K. profile introduces Paula to international readers during her first hit-album era.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · March 18, 1989

Forever Your Girl hits No. 1

The title track becomes another chart-topper and a signature song of the debut era.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May, 1989

Cold Hearted

Signature choreography and a dramatic video make the single unforgettable.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · June 2, 1989

Club MTV Live Tour

Paula hits the road on the Club MTV Live Tour.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · July, 1989

Cold Hearted reaches No. 1

The dramatic, choreography-driven single adds to the debut album’s chart success.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · September 2, 1989

Emmy-winning choreography

Paula earns an Emmy for her work on The Tracey Ullman Show.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · September 17, 1989

Rolling Stone: All the Right Moves

A magazine profile reflects on Paula’s choreography, success and intensely visual pop performances.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · November 30, 1989

A debut album becomes a phenomenon

Forever Your Girl becomes one of the era’s defining pop debuts, remaining an influential dance-pop collection.

American Music Awards performance

A high-energy live television showcase of music and movement.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January 22, 1990

Opposites Attract tops the Hot 100

The duet featuring MC Skat Kat becomes a No. 1 pop single, blending animation with live action.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · February 10, 1990

Shut Up and Dance

A remix project revisits the Forever Your Girl era.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 8, 1990

LA Gear music sampler

Paula begins a 2 year sponsorship promoting LA Gear, including the release of a promotional sampler highlighting her connection with fashion and dance-pop marketing.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May, 1990

A second Emmy for choreography

Paula receives Emmy recognition for her choreography on the American Music Awards broadcast.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · September 16, 1990

A Grammy for Opposites Attract

The innovative video is honored with the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · February 20, 1991

Kids’ Choice Awards Hall of Fame

Paula becomes the first entertainer inducted into the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Hall of Fame.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · April 22, 1991

Rush Rush

A cinematic ballad video introduces the Spellbound era.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · April 24, 1991

Inside the making of Spellbound

A contemporary interview offers Paula’s perspective on the sound and direction of her second album.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 01, 1991

Rush Rush tops the charts

Paula’s romantic ballad opens the Spellbound era with a No. 1 single.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · June 15, 1991

The Promise of a New Day

Another major hit from the Spellbound album.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · July, 1991

Vibeology Live : MTV Video Music Awards

Paula performs Vibeology live at the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · September 5, 1991

The Promise of a New Day hits No. 1

Spellbound delivers another chart-topping single and vibrant, dance-led visuals.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · September 14, 1991

MC Skat Kat steps beyond the video

The animated star of Opposites Attract becomes a recognizable part of Paula’s larger pop universe.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · September 21, 1991

Blowing Kisses in the Wind

The Spellbound ballad adds another chapter to the album’s single releases.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · October 17, 1991

Under My Spell World Tour begins

Paula launches her headline international tour supporting Spellbound.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · October, 1991

The Under My Spell tour reviewed

Period reporting documents the theatrical scale of Paula’s debut concert tour.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · November 13, 1991

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Paula receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · December 4, 1991

Under My Spell across the world

The international performances continue into 1992.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January, 1992

Vibeology

The funk-infused Spellbound single showcases Paula’s dance-floor edge.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January 16, 1992

Will You Marry Me?

A romantic final single from the Spellbound album campaign.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · March 19, 1992

Captivated ’92

Paula’s music videos and performances are collected for home viewing. Collection certified RIAA Gold on this day.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · April 27, 1992

Paula marries Emilio Estevez

Paula Abdul and actor Emilio Estevez marry at a Santa Monica courthouse.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · April 29, 1992

Beverly Hills, 90210 soundtrack era

Paula Abdul makes a guest appearance on the soundtrack of the hit TV show.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · October 20, 1992

For Our Children: The Concert

Paula contributes to a project connected with the Pediatric AIDS Foundation and Walt Disney Records.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · March 2, 1993

Recording third album

Paula spent 1993 and 1994 in the studio writing and recording tracks. This period of relative public absence and divorce from Emelio Estevez laid the groundwork for her eventual return in 1995.

My Love Is for Real leads a new era

The lead single introduces the more R&B-centered sound of Head Over Heels.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 30, 1995

Head Over Heels — a candid interview

A 1995 interview explores how Paula approached the recording process for her third studio album.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · June 01, 1995

Entertainment Weekly reviews Head Over Heels

Contemporary critical response documents the musical expectations surrounding Paula’s 1995 release.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · June 16, 1995

Crazy Cool reaches radio and video

A second Head Over Heels single extends the album’s playful and percussive visual style.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · August 8, 1995

Crazy Cool

A memorable experimental music video from Head Over Heels.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · August 8, 1995

Get Up and Dance

A dance-focused home-video release showcases Paula’s work in teaching and performance.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · 1995

Ain’t Never Gonna Give You Up

The Head Over Heels campaign continues with another single.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · December 28, 1995

A guest appearance on Cybill

1996 news coverage documents Paula’s appearance in the television sitcom.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · February 11, 1996

Paula marries Brad Beckerman

Paula Abdul and clothing designer Brad Beckerman marry.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · October 25, 1996

Touched by Evil

A television film appearance adds a dramatic acting credit to Paula’s résumé.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January 12, 1997

Greatest Hits demos recorded

Paula Abdul records Dancin' Machine and You Got Me Wrong with Nile Rodgers for inclusion on a Best-of Collection. She also co-writes Spinning Around with Kara DioGuardi, intended as a comeback single for a new album.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · June 10, 1997

The Paula Abdul fan site goes online

Dustin Drorbaugh launches the fan site during the summer of 1997, beginning a decades-long project to chronicle Paula’s career.

Boost Fitness Tour

Paula brings fitness, music and movement together in an unconventional live-event tour.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · October 1997

Paula Abdul signs with Mercury Records

Paula Abdul signs with Mercury Records and begins work on her 4th studio album.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · October, 1997

Muppets Tonight guest appearance

Paula appears with the Muppets, performs with Clifford and sings her rendition of Lean on Me.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · November 2, 1997

Cardio Dance

Paula releases another workout video centered on accessible choreography and fitness.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · February, 1998

The Greatest — Japan compilation

A Japanese compilation adds to Paula’s international discography.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · March, 1998

Saturday Night Live

Paula appears alongside Will Ferrell and Cheri Oteri in their famous Spartan Cheerleaders sketch at Paula Abdul's cheerleading camp.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 9, 1998

The Waiting Game

Paula appears as Amy Fuentes in a television thriller that premiered on The Movie Channel in August 1998.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · August 8, 1998

New Album Postponed

Universal Music Group and PolyGram merger results in Paula's departure from the label, delaying the release of her fourth studio album despite multiple songs recorded.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · March, 1999

American Beauty

Paula choreographs the cheerleading scenes in American Beauty.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · October 1, 1999

Mr. Rock ’n’ Roll: The Alan Freed Story

Paula appears in the made-for-television music biography.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · October 31, 1999

Sabrina the Teenage Witch

Paula Abdul makes an appearance as herself. Salem the cat develops a crush on Paula and goes to great lengths to get her attention in the Season 4 episode Aging, Not So Gracefully.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · November 12, 1999

Nobody’s Angel album project

Paula co-writes the album track Ooh La La La for the teen-pop group Nobody’s Angel.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · February 1, 2000

Spinning Around becomes a hit

Paula shares songwriting credit on Kylie Minogue’s global pop single.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · June 19, 2000

Paula Abdul’s Greatest Hits

A collection of signature recordings arrives.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · September 26, 2000

VH1's 100 Greatest Dance Songs

Paula Abdul hosts VH1's 100 Greatest Dance Songs all week long, October 9th to 13th. The show featured clips, interviews and performances highlighting some of the greatest dance songs of all times.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · October 9, 2000

Reefer Madness

Paula Abdul choreographs a portion of the off-Broadway show.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · September 15, 2001

Black Knight

Paula Abdul choreographs Martin Lawrence's film Black Knight.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · November 21, 2001

American Idol makes a ratings splash

Early coverage tracks the arrival of the program that would introduce Paula to a new generation.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · June 12, 2002

Idol’s next season announced

An official press release marks the program’s early growth with Paula on its judging panel.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · December 19, 2002

A second season of American Idol

The series continues with Paula as a mentor and a recognizable voice of encouragement.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January 21, 2003

Zoe’s Dance Moves

Paula appears in an instructional dance project designed for young performers.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · March 4th, 2003

Idol’s third season makes headlines

Paula remains at the heart of a widely watched season that culminates in Fantasia’s victory.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January 19, 2004

Innergy jewelry reaches stores

The Sam’s Club collaboration launches, featuring messages of encouragement in a jewelry collection.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · June 03, 2004

A fourth season of American Idol

The series continues with Paula as a mentor and a recognizable voice of encouragement.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January 18, 2005

Video Hits: Paula Abdul

An official video collection brings together highlights from Paula’s recording and performance eras.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January 2005

Cardio Cheer workout program

Paula applies her dance-instruction background to a multi-disc cheerleading and fitness program.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · November 18th 2005

American Idol’s fifth season

The judging trio returns as the series introduces another wave of new performers.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January 17, 2006

A sixth season of American Idol

The series continues with Paula as a mentor and a recognizable voice of encouragement.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January 16, 2007

Greatest Hits: Straight Up! announced

EMI announces a compilation celebrating Paula’s recordings and chart successes.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · March 09, 2007

Greatest Hits: Straight Up

A later compilation introduces hits to a new generation of listeners.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 8, 2007

Hey Paula

A reality television series offers an inside look at Paula’s work.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · June 28, 2007

A seventh season of American Idol

The series continues with Paula as a mentor and a recognizable voice of encouragement.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January 15, 2008

Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow

Paula releases new dance-pop music.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January 18, 2008

Super Bowl XLII performance

Paula Abdul performs Dance Like There's No Tomorrow during the pre-game show for Super Bowl XLII with Randy Jackson and Oliver Leiber.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · February 3, 2008

Billboard reviews the new single

A contemporary Billboard review responds to Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · February 17, 2008

RAH! cheerleading project

Paula helps bring cheerleading, dance and team competition to the television screen.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January 3, 2009

An eighth season of American Idol

Paula's final season as a mentor and a recognizable voice of encouragement.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January 13, 2009

I’m Just Here for the Music

Paula introduces a new dance-pop single and returns to the American Idol stage as a performer.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 5, 2009

American Idol performance

Paula performs I’m Just Here for the Music on the show.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 6, 2009

Paula announces her departure from Idol

An August 2009 article marks the end of Paula’s original run as an American Idol judge.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · August 05, 2009

Live to Dance announced

Early reports present Paula’s new television dance competition before its 2011 premiere.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · October 28, 2010

Live to Dance

Paula returns to talent competition television.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January 4, 2011

Ten Great Songs

A new compilation creates another entry point into the biggest songs in Paula’s catalog.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · June 14, 2011

The X Factor

Paula returns to reality competition television as a judge.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · September, 2011

Dancing with the Stars

Paula Abdul serves as a guest judge in Week 4 of Dancing with the Stars, Season 15.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · November 20, 2012

Dream Medley

Paula returns to the dance floor with a medley and performance on Dancing with the Stars.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · November 20, 2012

AVON Magazine Feature

Paula Abdul features on the cover of AVON US Campaign 8 Magazine for 2013 titled "Head Over Heels" shoe event.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · February 24, 2013

Arsenio Hall reunion appearance

Paula surprises Arsenio Hall on his return to late-night television.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · September 10, 2013

ICON collection

A further career-spanning compilation revisits Paula’s best-known recordings.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · October 8, 2013

A redesigned fan archive launches

A new design for the Paula Abdul fan site makes its debut.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia

Paula joins the Australian dance competition as a judge.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · February 9th, 2014.

Los Angeles Ballet honors Paula

Recognition from the dance community celebrates her choreographic influence.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · April 14, 2014

Neighbours television appearance

Paula appears in the Australian television world during her international dance-show work.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · June 2014

Check Yourself project

Paula joins an early-detection breast-cancer awareness initiative with an original song and choreography.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · October, 2014

So You Think You Can Dance — U.S.

Paula serves as a judge on the American dance competition.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · June 1, 2015

Lip Sync Battle

Paula guests on the Season 2 premiere of Lip Sync Battle with Jenna Dewan-Tatum.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January 7, 2017

A concert comeback announced

Contemporary reporting previews Paula’s return to live pop performances.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · April 21, 2016

Mixtape Festival return

Paula makes a major return to the concert stage.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · August 6, 2016

The Total Package Tour

Paula Abdul tours with New Kids on the Block and Boyz II Men.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 12th 2017

Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award

The music industry recognizes Paula’s humanitarian involvement.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 18, 2017

A Sister’s Secret

Paula appears in the television thriller, expanding her on-screen credits.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · August 5th 2018

Straight Up Paula! tour announced

A 30th-anniversary touring production is unveiled for fall 2018.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · July 09, 2018

Paula Abdul & Janet Jackson Reconnect

Paula presented Janet Jackson with a Lifetime Achievement award at the Carnival Choreographers Ball.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January 30, 2019

Billboard Music Awards

Paula performs a career-spanning musical showcase at the BBMA's receiving favorable media coverage.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 1, 2019

Las Vegas residency unveiled

Contemporary reporting announces a new residency production before its first scheduled shows.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 01, 2019

Ellis Island Medal of Honor

Paula receives recognition for contributions to American life and culture.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 11, 2019

Forever Your Girl Las Vegas Residency

Paula brings her stage production to Las Vegas.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · August 13, 2019

The fan site becomes responsive

A mobile-friendly overhaul improves access to the site’s long-running Paula Abdul archive.

Dec. 20, 2019

Dick Clark's Rockin' New Years Eve

Paula ends 2019 with a well-received guest performance of Cold Hearted & Straight Up.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · Dec. 31, 2019

Impractical Jokers: The Movie

Paula appears in the road-trip comedy feature.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · February 21, 2020

Celebrity Ghost Stories episode

Paula returns to a former residence in the 2020 revival to recount unexplained experiences.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · April 22, 2020

Paula Abdul appears in “Stuck with U”

Paula Abdul and Justin Bieber appear in the star-studded video for “Stuck with U,” Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber’s 2020 charity single recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 7, 2020

Caught in Providence

Paula surprises Judge Frank Caprio with a courtroom visit.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · September, 2020

Paula Abdul in VULKAN Magazine

Paula Abdul is featured in VULKAN Magazine in October 2020, appearing in a high-profile photoshoot and interview.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · October, 2020

The Masked Dancer

Paula joins the judging panel of the dance competition.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · December 27, 2020

How Opposites Attract was created

A retrospective explores the dance, live action and animation behind the acclaimed music video.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · March 08, 2021

American Idol guest return

Paula appears again as a guest judge on American Idol filling in for Luke Bryan.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · April, 2021

A teacher’s dance studio transformed

Paula helps surprise a childhood dance teacher with a studio renovation.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · August 20, 2021

Made for Love

Paula makes a guest appearance in the HBO Max comedy-drama series.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · April 28, 2022

American Idol reunion

Paula and Randy Jackson return to the program as part of its anniversary-era celebrations.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 2, 2022

Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers cameo

Paula and MC Skat Kat appear in the live-action/animated Disney film.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 20, 2022

The Muppets Mayhem

Paula joins the musical world of Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem in a guest appearance.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 10, 2023

Hollywood Christmas Parade honors Paula

Paula is selected for a Humanitarian of the Year recognition.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · November 26, 2023

Ariana Grande pays tribute to “Cold Hearted”

Ariana Grande pays tribute to Paula Abdul in her 2024 “Yes, And?” music video, referencing the choreography and visual style of Abdul’s classic 1989 “Cold Hearted” video.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · January 12, 2024

Hollywood Bowl shows announced

The archive documents three Paula Abdul and Boyz II Men performances planned for September 2024.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · August 07, 2024

Hollywood Bowl with Boyz II Men

Three September Hollywood Bowl performances offer another major live highlight.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · September, 2024

Paula Abdul Legacy Award

The Industry Dance Awards recognize Paula’s impact on generations of dancers and choreographers.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · October, 2024

The Golden Bachelor — guest appearance

Paula judges a spirited cheerleading competition with support from the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders during the Season 2 premiere.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · September, 2025

2025 World Choreography Awards

Paula Abdul is honored with the Legacy Award for her contributions to the art of choreography.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · November 15, 2025

Canada’s Drag Race — guest judge

Paula appears as a guest judge on the Season 6 premiere, evaluating a music-video challenge with the competing queens.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · November 20, 2025

American Idol reunion

Paula Abdul served as both a guest judge and a mentor alongside fellow original judge Randy Jackson for a special "20th High School Reunion" episode celebrating the Class of 2006.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 4, 2026

52nd American Music Awards — presenter

Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo present the Song of the Year award during the live American Music Awards telecast.

ARCHIVE FEATURE · May 25, 2026

Band As One Los Angeles announced

Susan G. Komen announces Paula as a headliner for its March 2027 benefit concert; the show itself remains upcoming.

A redesigned immersive fan archive launches

After years of updates, a brand new design for the official Paula Abdul fan site makes its debut, packed with new career highlights and interactive elements like this new timeline.