- 2004
Abdul Gets Nailed
After a trip to a Studio City nail salon, Abdul's thumbnail becomes infected. She's in and out of hospitals, but the doctors end up removing the nail. In June 2005, she will testify before the California State Legislature, urging lawmakers to force nail salons to clean up their acts – and their equipment.
- 2005
American Idol Scandal
ABC's PrimeTime Live airs accusations from second-season Idol contestant, Corey Clark that he had a three-month, romantic liaison with Abdul. Clark claims Abdul coached him – buying him clothes and selecting songs for him – while he was a contender (he was booted because he had failed to reveal a prior arrest). Abdul releases a statement saying Clark is "communicating lies" about her. FOX launches an investigation but then closes the case due to "insufficient evidence." Business Wire reports Abdul saying she is "grateful that the ordeal is over."
- 2006
Ain't Never Gonna Give You Up
Abdul knows a good gig when she sees – and hears – it. She signs on for at least three more seasons as judge on American Idol. Abdul is also tapped by Cowell to be a guest judge on his launch of the British Idol-inspired The X-Factor talent contest show. Abdul, along with regular judges Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne, spots that certain star quality in contestants.
- 2007
PaulaTV
The Bravo network announces plans to film a reality series, Hey Paula, slated for June 28. It will follow Abdul as she judges the sixth season of American Idol, works on Bratz: The Movie and develops a perfume and cosmetics line.
Abdul's Leaked Audio Tape
After breaking her nose and crowing teen wonder Jordin Sparks the sixth American Idol, Abdul makes headlines when a leaked audio tape surfaces on the Internet. On the tape, Abdul sobs, says she had been mistreated by her reps and outlines health problems.
- 2008
A New Man & Single for Paula
After stepping out with new beau, restaurateur J.T. Torregiani, 32, Abdul, 45, returns for the seventh season of American Idol. But most importantly, Abdul returns to music, unveiling her new single, "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow," which will appear on the upcoming album, Randy Jackson’s Music Club, Vol. 1. "It just seemed the right time," she says of creating the new record, given that her last single was released in 1993. "The timing just came together."
Fan Found Dead Outside Paula's Home
Paula Goodspeed, an obsessed Abdul fan who stalked the singer for years, is found dead outside Abdul's home. Goodspeed confessed her obsession with Abdul during a season five Idol audition, which Abdul objected. "I said, 'This girl is a stalker of mine. Please do not let her in," she told Barbara Walters. But show producers overrode Abdul's requests in favor of "entertainment value."
- 2009
Paula Leaves Idol
Ending speculation about her future on one of the most popular shows on television, Abdul confirmed she will no longer be at the judge’s table on American Idol. "With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to Idol," Abdul, 47, writes on her Twitter page. "I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day one become an international phenomenon."
Photo Credits
BIOGRAPHY (top to bottom): Rich Pedroncelli/AP; Matt Baron/BEImages; Jordan Strauss/WireImage; Mark Sullivan/WireImage; Fitzroy Barrett/Landov; Courtesy Entertainment Tonight; Lionel Hahn/Abaca
- Name
- Paula Abdul
- Date of Birth
- June 19, 1962
- Birth Place
- San Fernando, Calif.
- Relationships
-
J.T. Torregiani, ex-boyfriend (2007 to 2008)
Dante Spencer, ex-boyfriend (2005)
Colton Melby, ex-boyfriend (2003 to 2004)
Brad Beckerman, ex-husband (1996 to 1998)
Emilio Estevez, ex-husband (1992 to 1994)
