When American Idol premiered in 2002, viewers became familiar with show judge Paul Abdul, and we're here to share some of her most iconic moments from the singing competition. Paula was part of a trio of judges that included Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. Abdul is an actress, singer, dancer, and choreographer. She brought plenty of savvy to the table and fans quickly warmed up to her.
Paula left American Idol before the show's ninth season. She moved on to judge The X Factor, The Masked Dancer, So You Think You Can Dance, and Live to Dance (where she also served as the executive producer). In April, Paula temporarily returned to fill in for Luke Bryan at the judging table. Fans were excited about her return. Many are now looking back to her earlier role on the show and using the hashtag, #PaulasBack.
Some fans recall the time Paula saw the future when she predicted that Jason Castro’s second song had lost its charm. While Paula proceeded to explain how his nonexistent tune left her feeling empty, the contestants and judges waited. They were confused. Then, Randy spoke up, revealing that Jason had only sung once so far. “Oh my God I thought you sang twice,” she said. She added, “You know what? This is hard!” The audience and judges laughed.
During promotion for the show’s sixth season, Paula was featured in an unforgettable interview with Fox News. She slurred her words, which led viewers to wonder if she was intoxicated. She disregarded the interviewer’s questions and stated that Seattle had some of the worst singers anyone had ever heard. She also said, “Any publicity is good publicity. You gotta learn to eat it up and embrace it and say ‘Seattle had the best delusional people!’” While some people wondered why Paula was allowed to go on the air since she didn't seem ok, others insisted that the interview made her look fun. YouTubers said things like, “This makes me wanna go to a party with Paula,” and “Whatever she’s taking, it makes her happy.”
In May 2009, Paula (who has made a lot of money on American Idol) went from judge to performer. She sang, “I’m Just Here for the Music” during the American Idol Top 4 Results Show. With several background dancers, multiple screens showcasing her performance, and a strobe light illuminating the stage, Paula earned a standing ovation for her performance. The song went on to reach number 87 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became her fifteenth song to hit that chart.
Fans dubbed her and Simon “Saula,” enjoying the flirtatious banter between the two. Back in 2003, her fellow judge Simon called her his poodle, and she playfully acted like his dog. “You sit your poodle on your lap, you stroke it and it licks your face and we’re both happy,” he said. Paula’s pooch-like actions included scurrying over to him, staying in place on command, and lifting her leg in typical dog style. She happily asked, “Aren’t you glad I play it back with you?”
Paula was welcomed back alongside Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and super-rich host Ryan Seacrest. Ryan said the two of them share a lot of memories from her previous time on the show. Paula said it felt like she was “visiting her little brother,” calling Randy her other brother and Simon their grandfather. Ryan ultimately unveiled a photo of the two of them from the very first season of American Idol. The picture was taken before they knew how big the show would become.
Though she was only back on the show briefly, Paula certainly brought back memories with her appearance. Thanks to American Idol and her other career accomplishments, she will always be a well-known face. Fans love Paula, whether she's being playful or showing her big heart. She is a legend.