10 Facts about Paula Abdul

Moving to the Top

Paula Abdul made it as a Los Angeles Lakers Girl when she was a freshman at California State University in Northridge. After three months on the team, Paula became head choreographer.

Double the Wedding Bells

Paula was married to actor Emilio Estevez from 1992 to 1994. In 1996, she married sportswear designer Brad Beckerman — they divorced in 1998.

Working with the Big Names

She choreographed music videos for Janet Jackson, Prince, George Michael and Duran Duran.

Chart Topper

Paula has scored six #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Silver Screen

Paula has choreographed pieces for multiple blockbusters. Abdul created the giant keyboard dance for Tom Hanks in "Big." She also choreographed Cuba Gooding Jr.’s memorable touchdown celebration in "Jerry Maguire."

Grammy Girl

She won a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video for her single Opposites Attract. The video featured the animated dancing cat named MC Skat Kat.

Camp Paula

Paula runs dance and cheerleading camps, competitions and scholarship programs around the world.

And the Emmy's Go To...

Paula won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Choreography in 1989 for “The Tracey Ullman Show.” She won again in the same category in 1990 for the 17th American Music Awards.

Love Goes to the Dogs

Paula is a huge dog lover. She has three long-haired Chihuahuas named Thumbelina, Tulip and Tinkerbelle.

'Straight Up' Dance

Her 1989 #1 hit Straight Up was ranked #81 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Dance Songs.