2004

Paula Abdul

April

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

Paula Abdul

May 04

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

Paula Abdul

March 28

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

Paula Abdul

January 12

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.

May 31

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

Paula Abdul

January

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."

Photo Credits

BIOGRAPHY (top to bottom): Rich Pedroncelli/AP; Matt Baron/BEImages; Jordan Strauss/WireImage; Mark Sullivan/WireImage

Edited by Mai Dinh, Janet Murphy