IN CONVERSATION WITH PAULA ABDUL

interview by JANA LETONJA

Music superstar, dancer, renowned choreographer, and TV personality Paula Abdul is most notably recognized as an original judge on' American Idol'. She has sold over 60 million records worldwide and earned numerous awards and recognitions, including 17 MTV Video Music Awards nominations with five wins, two Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, and two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography. Besides her rich career, Paula is an active advocate for American Humane Society, National Guide Dog Month, Turnaround Arts, Wigs & Wishes cancer charity, to name a few. 

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shoes COS
dress SIRIANO
heels SAINT LAURENT
gloves SEYMOURS

Paula, your career has spanned decades and includes achievements as a dancer, choreographer, music superstar, and TV personality. Looking back, what part of your career are you most proud of, and why?

 I’m most proud of still being here. When I was a little girl watching Gene Kelly in ‘Singing in the Rain’, I kissed the TV screen and said “That’s my dad.” Who would’ve thought that years later I’d call him my friend and my mentor. I’ll always owe him a debt of gratitude for inspiring me to become an entertainer. His film ‘Anchors Aweigh’ was groundbreaking at its time and fueled my own innovative use of animation in a music video with MC Skat Kat. To show my appreciation, I dedicated my ‘Opposites Attract’ video to him.  It was my way of saying “Thank you for inspiring me ever since I was a little girl.”  After receiving it, he called me to invite me over for tea. This was the start of a very special and important friendship that I treasure to this day. I miss him so much, and it fills my heart to know that he inspired me to become a dancer and choreographer. I did it, I’m still doing it, and I’m still here and I’m grateful.

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heels, earrings, skirt and shirt DOLCE&GABBANA

You made history as an original judge on 'American Idol', a show that revolutionized talent competitions. What was the most rewarding part of your time as a judge on any of the reality competition shows, and which one had the most meaningful impact on you, and why?

 First and foremost, every week I had a front row seat at a concert people were dying to get tickets to. It was so rewarding to watch people realize their ultimate dream. What an honor to be part of their journey. I also loved how ‘American Idol’ created more diversity in the music industry, in general. People were opening up to genres they normally wouldn’t even consider. On ‘American Idol’, an artist didn’t need to have a song playing on the radio to be heard.

I was really good at being a judge, and I was the only actual artist on the panel. Over time, I learned that a judge can also be a mentor. Tough yet encouraging, celebrating vulnerability and tenacity. I decided that if I could play just a small role in the awakening of someone else’s passion, then I’ve honored those who did that for me.

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dress ALEXANDER WANG

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dress SIRIANO
heels SAINT LAURENT
gloves SEYMOURS

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coat HESLA
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shoes COS

Your debut album 'Forever Your Girl' achieved incredible success, including four #1 hits. What do you think made that album so special, and how did you approach crafting your sound and style at the time?

‘Forever Your Girl’ was a hit beyond my wildest dreams. When it was released, it was actually the first time that any artist had ever had four consecutive #1 singles – ‘Straight Up’, ‘Opposites Attract’, ‘Forever Your Girl’, ‘Cold Hearted’ – on the Billboard Hot 100.

I was a dancer and a choreographer, and with ‘Forever Your Girl’, I’d be singing as well. When crafting my sound and style, it had to be energetic and authentically me. That meant when people heard it, I didn’t want them to just sing along, I wanted them to dance along. They could dance at a club, at a party, on a stage or in a studio, but they had to dance. Becoming a vocal artist was a huge and important first for me. It was the first time I was taking such an enormous step out of my comfort zone.
   

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tights FALKE
top SKIMS
shoes JEFFREY CAMPBELL

You’ve had an incredible return to touring, including your 2018 Total Package Tour and your recent residency in Las Vegas. What has it been like to reconnect with your fans on stage after so many years, and how has the experience evolved over time?

Reconnecting with my fans has been phenomenal. One of my favorite parts of touring and during my Las Vegas residency was looking into people's eyes, really feeling and sharing their excitement. The people who come to my shows are a part of my life. They are my inspiration and such an enormous source of my joy. 

Social media has also opened a door for me to reconnect with my fans on a huge scale. I’m having the best time on TikTok. I'm loving life, dancing and creating combinations with so many different generations of dancers. I see the younger generation doing my choreography, and I groove right along with them. Whether it’s a physical stage or a digital stage, I’ll keep connecting and reconnecting.

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dress NORMA KAMALI
tights FALKE
heels JEFFREY CAMPBELL

As a choreographer, you’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry. How do you approach creating a signature dance routine for an artist, and how do you ensure it aligns with their personal style and the song’s message?

Whether I’m working with a single artist or a group, I ask questions about the genres, the style, and important themes. I find out how the artist envisions movement and message. It’s not just about giving people a dance to perform. Helping artists to transform is one of the most important aspects of creating signature movement that aligns with their personal style. With choreography, the artist is going to physically tell a story in their own unique style.

You’ve worked in many different formats, from music videos to live performances and film. How do you adjust your choreography to fit the unique requirements of each medium?

It’s a little like working with an original blueprint on a new project. Today’s technology makes it possible to for me to expand my vision of dance in ways that weren’t possible in the past. In my ‘Opposites Attract’ video, I danced with MC Skat Kat, an animated character. Now, I can digitally dance with him on stage in front of live and television audiences. During my Las Vegas Residency and my 2019 Billboard Awards performance, I look back and see just how much technical and creative work was put into these performances. The whole experience of adjusting to new mediums has allowed me to dance and interact with LED media, multi-directional projections, my dancers, and the audience all at the same time. It’s amazing.

blazer ALEXANDER WANG
jewelry ALEXIS BITTAR
hat GLADYS TAMEZ
suit, shirt, tie H&M

In addition to your entertainment career, you’re passionate about philanthropy and advocacy, supporting causes like the American Humane Society and cancer charities. Which causes hold the most significance in your life, and why is it important for you to give back?

Each cause continues to make a unique and significant imprint on my life. From being invited to use dance and music to mentor and teach children through arts education as part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Turnaround Arts Program, to promoting and supporting animal welfare with the American Humane Society. From providing women battling cancer with a wig at no cost and granting wishes to children battling childhood cancer with Wigs and Wishes, to celebrating National Guide Dog Month in May to raise money and awareness for guide dog organizations across the country. All these causes fill my heart. Anyone can participate and begin making a difference in the lives of others.

No matter what, I will always speak out for inclusion and diversity. As a young dancer starting out, I remember feeling such a heart connection with the LGBTQ community. They are my family and I stand with them. I am constantly inspired by advocates who really walk the walk and show us all what it means to boldly take a stand and to be visible. 

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heels, earrings, skirt and shirt DOLCE&GABBANA

With a career that has spanned so many different areas, how do you balance your personal life with your career, and what keeps you motivated after so many accomplishments?

Self-care creates a balance in my life that keeps me grounded and motivated. I used to blow it off and dive into work without giving myself a moment to pause. I don't do that anymore. I have standing appointments I keep with myself that I don’t miss.

Eating healthy, resting, meditation, and staying connected with family and friends is also part of my self-care. Getting in touch, visiting with them when I can, and seeing what everyone’s doing. The people in my life are so important to me, so I make sure we keep in touch. Playing with my dogs and taking them for long walks is huge for my self-care, too. They’re my four-legged family members and they bring so much happiness to my life. 

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shoes COS
dress SIRIANO
heels SAINT LAURENT
gloves SEYMOURS

 If there was one thing you could tell your younger self when you first started as a Laker Girl, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self to not take herself so seriously. I would allow myself to trust the timing of things. Even though my career took off like a bullet train, instead of just being in the moment, part of me would still wonder "What's going to happen after this?" If there were a stretch of time where I was on a break, I'd wonder "When is this or that going to happen?" I was so full of energy and so excited to do so much more. Sometimes I thought I'd miss a big opportunity and I'd never get that opportunity again. I didn't want to stop the momentum. Looking back, I can see now that whenever there were lulls or pauses, it was for a reason. I feel so blessed that I had those periods of rest, even though I didn't understand them at the time.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent PAULA ABDUL
photography TYLER PATRICK KENNY
production DANIELLA FORERO
styling LUCA FALCIONI
makeup KÁLYD SEBASTIAN ODEH
hair RIAD AZAR
photography assistance LISA TORIO, VINCENT TORIO, ASHLEY VAN DER LAAN
styling assistance ADRIÁN JOSE RAMOS
lighting direction MEECH
models HUANG SHIXIN, PRINCE LYONS, CHASE OSTHOFF, MICHAEL PROULX, SAMMY.J.THAYER at STORM MODELS LA
model casting OLY INNES
hair KENNEDY TRISLER
hair assistance MARY CARTIER
movement coordination PRINCE LYONS
studio host JOSH SPENCER PHOTO
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
special thanks EVANDUNING