The Brief but Remarkable Recording Career of Paula Abdul

After her days as a famed Lakers girl and choreographer for the likes of Janet Jackson and George Michael and before her career resurgence as a judge on American Idol, Paula Abdul had a brief but remarkable recording career. In honor of her birthday today, I briefly review her recording career and rank all of her songs.

Paula’s Early Life and Career

Paula Abdul was born 59 years ago today on June 19, 1962 in the San Fernando Valley of California to Jewish parents with Syrian and Ashkenazi ancestry. Inspired by Gene Kelly in Singin’ in the Rain, she began taking dance lessons and became a cheerleader at Van Nuys High School. During her freshman year at Cal State Northridge (where she was studying broadcasting), she auditioned to join the Los Angeles Lakers’ famed cheerleading squad the Laker Girls and was selected. She was named head choreographer within one year.

She was discovered at a Lakers game by The Jacksons (formerly known as the Jackson 5 before Michael departed for his solo career) and hired as a choreographer for one of their music videos. Through this connection, she became close to Janet Jackson and choreographed her…