Paula Calls the Shots!

(Courtesy of ET Online)

 

June 11, 2002

 

PAULA ABDUL is trading in her dancing shoes for a judge's robe when she joins the brutally honest panel of FOX's hit television show, "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar."

 

ET spoke with the former Laker girl -- who shot to fame in the '80s with the multi-platinum-selling album Forever Your Girl -- about her new show! 

 

"American Idol" is a send-up of the hit Brit TV show "Pop Idol," said to be one of the biggest phenomena to come out of the U.K. since THE BEATLES' rock invasion. Premiering at 8:30 tonight on FOX, Abdul's "American Idol" aims to make someone's dream of pop stardom come true. 

 

"It's kismet for me to be involved in this," the singer-dancer told ET. " I know the whole competition thing like the back of my hand and yet I'm an example! I can say, 'If I would have taken all the no's and not believed in myself, I wouldn't be here!'" 

 

In April, FOX began one of the biggest talent searches in history, launching nationwide auditions in Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta and Miami. More than 10,000 hopefuls signed up to face a panel of celebrity judges (SIMON COWELL, Abdul and RANDY JACKSON), for a scathing, no-holds-barred critique of their pop-star potential. For some unlucky contestants, the criticism proves to be a bitter pill to swallow -- but that's part of the show's charm! Prizes include a big-time recording and management contract. 

 

"My whole point [to the contestants] is don't be afraid to be unique and think outside the small picture," she continues. "Prove to everyone that you are proud of who you are and go for it!" 

 

Hosted by BRIAN DUNKLEMAN and RYAN SEACREST, "American Idol" will whittle thousands of hopefuls down to 100, then 50. After that, a few finalists will perform on weekly episodes. While they sing their hearts out for some of the toughest judges in the entertainment industry, ultimately viewers will decide who has what it takes (via weekly phone-in poll) to advance in the competition. During the season finale, America's favorite contestant will be revealed and a new pop idol will be born!

 

You can see Abdul in "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar" when it premieres tonight on FOX, at 8:30 EDT.