Paula Abdul Background information Birth name Paula Julie Abdul Born June 19, 1962 (1962-06-19) (age 46) Origin San Fernando Valley, California Occupation(s) Singer, choreographer, dancer, television personality, actress Voice type(s) Mezzo-soprano[1] Years active 1986-present Label(s) Virgin Records (1988-1997) Mercury Records (1997)[2] Concord (2007-present) Website Official Site of Paula Abdul Paula Julie Abdul (pronounced /ˈæbduːl/ "AB-dool"; was born on June 19, 1962)[3] is a Grammy Award-winning American pop singer, dancer, two-time Emmy Award-winning choreographer, actress, and television personality. In the 1980s, Abdul rose from being a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers — the famed Laker Girls. Within three months, she became head choreographer. Six months later, she left school