Paula Abdul

Paula Julie Abdul (born June 19, 1962 in San Fernando, California) is an American dancer, choreographer, singer, and television personality.

American Idol

In 2002, Abdul accepted a job as one of three judges for the reality TV competition American Idol. Abdul's job was to evaluate the talent of a large group of young amateur singers, eliminate most of them in various audition rounds, and then help American television viewers whittle the remaining ones down to just one performer: the aforementioned idol. Abdul, who had seemingly emerged from obscurity, won praise as a sympathetic and compassionate judge. She seemed especially so when her critiques were compared with that of fellow judge Simon Cowell, who was often cruelly blunt in his appraisals of the contestants' performances. When she realized that Cowell's over-the-top judging style was heartbreaking for some young contestants, Abdul was so horrified, she considered leaving the show. Although their differences often resulted in extremely heated on-air exchanges, Cowell says he played a major role in convincing Abdul not to walk off. Now a bonafide television celebrity, Abdul accepted a second gig as reporter for Entertainment Tonight.

Related Topics:
2002 - American Idol - Simon Cowell - Entertainment Tonight

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On March 24, 2005, Abdul pleaded no contest and was fined and sentenced to two years' probation for a hit-and-run incident in Encino, California. Abdul claims she did not notice the brief contact between her Mercedes and another vehicle as she was changing lanes.

Related Topics:
March 24 - 2005 - Probation - Hit-and-run - Encino, California - Mercedes

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During 2004, public concern for Abdul began growing as a result of some apparently erratic behavior during episodes of American Idol. When rumors of drug or alcohol abuse began to swirl, Abdul went to People magazine to explain that she had been diagnosed with reflex sympathetic dystrophy and was undergoing successful treatment.

Related Topics:
People - Reflex sympathetic dystrophy

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In May 2005, ABC's Primetime Live reported season-two Idol contestant Corey Clark's claims that he and Abdul had had an affair during that season, and that she had coached him on how to succeed in the competition. Perhaps not surprisingly, Clark was coming forward at a time when he was marketing a CD and trying to get a book deal. For the most part, Abdul refused to dignify Clark's allegations with a response. At the height of the debacle, Abdul appeared in a Saturday Night Live skit, making light of the situation.

Related Topics:
May 2005 - ABC - Primetime Live - Corey Clark - Coached - Saturday Night Live

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While Fox launched an investigation, Abdul received numerous calls of support from celebrities including Oprah Winfrey...and Barbara Walters even looked into the camera during an episode of ABC's The View to say she was ashamed to be part of an operation that would report Clark's flimsy tabloid claims under the guise of a news story.

Related Topics:
Fox - Oprah Winfrey - Barbara Walters - The View

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In August 2005 the Fox network announced the results of their investigation. They had hired three three impartial lawfirms who conducted over 40 hours of interviews (including interviews with Abdul and Clark) but no evidence was found to substantiate any of Clark's claims. With Abdul's good name cleared, the network confirmed that she would be returning for season five. http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Music/08/12/abdul.idol.reut/index.html

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In September 2005 Abdul's revealing dress at the Emmy Awards got her a spot on some worst-dressed lists. http://www.timeforaol.com/tii/emmys_tv/2005/photos/people/0,24559,1101953,00.html

Related Topics:
September 2005 - Emmy Awards

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Abdul was married to Emilio Estevez from 1992 to 1994.

Related Topics:
Emilio Estevez - 1992 - 1994

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In 1996, she married clothing manufacturer Brad Beckerman, but she later divorced him as well. She's currently dating model Dante Spencer.

Related Topics:
1996 - Brad Beckerman - Dante Spencer

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