Paula Abdul With The Wild Pair

Biography & Overview

Paula Julie Abdul (born June 19, 1962) is an American singer, dancer, choreographer, actress, and television personality. She began her career as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers at the age of 18 and later became the head choreographer for the Laker Girls, where she was discovered by the Jacksons. After choreographing music videos for Janet Jackson, Abdul became a prominent choreographer during the music video era and was subsequently signed to Virgin Records. Abdul's debut studio album, "Forever Your Girl" (1988), became one of the most successful debut albums of its time, selling seven million copies in the United States and setting a record for the most Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles from a debut album with "Straight Up," "Forever Your Girl," "Cold Hearted," and "Opposites Attract." Her second album, "Spellbound" (1991), produced the number-one singles "Rush Rush" and "The Promise of a New Day." With six number-one singles on the Hot 100, Abdul tied with Diana Ross for the third-most chart-toppers among female solo artists at the time. As of 2025, she ranks seventh, alongside Diana Ross and Lady Gaga, for the most number-one singles by female artists in the United States.