A big happy birthday to Paula Abdul today who has just turned 50-years-old. In the ’80s, Abdul started out as a cheerleader for the LA Lakers, then a sought after choreographer after being discovered by The Jacksons before she finally became a pop star herself . More recently, Abdul stepped back into the spotlight as a judge on American Idol for 8 years, later moving onto CBS’s ‘Live to Dance‘, which has since been canceled. Last year, she reunited with Simon Cowell and was a judge on first season of The X Factor U.S., but is not returning for next season.

Abdul had many hits in the ’80s and and brought a level of dance to her videos that really made her stand out. Without revealing the songs and videos that made my Top 5 list, I will say that “Opposites Attract,” a song that won “Best Music Video – Short Form,” makes honorable mention. In the video, she dances with a cartoon character named MC Skat Kat. In 1997, she sang this song on Muppets tonight with Clifford.

Check out the list for my Top 5 favorite songs and videos by Paula Abdul below and be sure to share your own favorites/lists in the comments.


5. Paula Abdul – “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow”

Album: Randy Jackson’s Music Club Vol 1.
Released: 2008

This was Abdul’s big comeback song to music, debuting the video on American Idol. I did love the song and the video and it was great to see her step back into the spotlight in this regard. It was apparently a very windy day in the studio when she filmed the video… or she borrowed Beyonce’s fan.

4. Paula Abdul – “My Love Is For Real”

Album: Head over Heels
Released: 1995

I love this Egyptian/Middle Eastern-themed video and Abdul looks phenomenal in her sexed up dance routines. Abdul’s voice is so deep & sultry in this song – almost like she’s trying to hypnotise the one she’s singing to.

3. Paula Abdul – “Rush Rush”

Album: Spellbound
Released: 1991

This is just a classic song that I can remember hearing over and over on the radio as a kid. It’s like brainwashed into my head, so how can I not like it. The song is very catchy and the video is cute and cheesy, starring Keanu Reaves as the love interest.

2. Paula Abdul – “Cold Hearted”

Album: Forever Your Girl
Released: 1988

In the video for this sassy song, Abdul and her backup dancers perform the song in front of unpleasant music executives that have come to watch the rehearsal for the video. The outfits and wardrobe in this video are amazing.

1. Paula Abdul – “Straight Up”

Album: Forever Your Girl
Released: 1988

My all time favorite song of hers. I still remember listening to it as a kid and still know all the words. The video is shot in black & white and is a lot of Paula dancing solo. “A-do-do ya love me? Tell me baby.” Love it.

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