TV Watch

Paula Abdul Is Happy Nicole Scherzinger Got Help for Bulimia

By Dahvi Shira

10/11/2012 at 02:55 PM EDT

Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger have more in common than just formerly sharing a judges' table on The X Factor.

Scherzinger, 33, like Abdul, 50, overcame a longtime battle with bulimia, she reveals in a Behind the Music special, airing Sunday on VH1.

Abdul, who told PEOPLE in 1994 she was constantly "spitting out" her food and "feelings," says she is glad Scherzinger had the strength to reach out for support.

RELATED: Nicole Scherzinger Opens Up About Eight-Year Bulimia Struggle

"She knew that she needed to get help, and she got help," Abdul told PEOPLE on Tuesday. "You can't ever do those things alone. It's very important that you get the proper help that you need."

Added Abdul, "She's a beautiful girl, and I'm happy that she's gone through the healing process and recovery. I love Nicole. She's a good one."

The "Forever Your Girl" singer is no longer critiquing vocal performances on The X Factor, but she hasn't entirely given up on reality competition shows.

Abdul will be a guest judge on Dancing with the Stars next Monday.

"The judges are amazing," she says. "Carrie Ann [Inaba] and Len [Goodman] and Bruno [Tonioli] all have their critical eye of how they see things, and they're technical. For me, I'm bringing a different perspective of someone who has had the blessing of growing up with dance and music, and having a career in dance. So, I'm coming from strictly how it moves me."