Paula Abdul Brings Cleaned-Up Act to 'Live to Dance'

By Sarah Crow Posted Jan 5th 2011 11:59AM

Straight up, now tell us, is Paula Abdul's sweet and articulate nature on TV's 'Live to Dance' going to last forever, oh, oh, oh, or are we caught in a hit-and-run?

The former 'American Idol' judge made her triumphant return to television last night on her new CBS show. Unlike her previous small screen hits and misses ('Hey Paula!', anyone?), the singer brought not only her trademark nice girl act, but -- dare we say it? -- a remarkable level of coherence to the show.

Abdul, who also executive produces 'Live to Dance,' has done away with the format of lengthy, often unnecessarily harsh commentary directed at contestants used on 'Idol' in favor of a quick and painless buzzer elimination.

Following the expulsion of one particularly enthusiastic dancer, Abdul climbed onstage to hug the young man and told him, "The fact that I can inspire you to dance is what really touched my heart."

The show, which welcomes contestants of all ages, styles and walks of life, may lack Simon Cowell's sharp-tongued approach to keeping Paula in check, but her co-hosts serve as appropriate yins to her yang.

In addition to Abdul, former Michael Jackson choreographer Travis Payne and Pussycat Dolls co-creator Kimberly Wyatt round out the cast.

So will 'Live to Dance' be able to achieve success in a market as crowded as the reality-dance-show world? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Abdul's new-found energy and enthusiasm are a welcome change of pace.

As Abdul described in a promo for the show, "I want different. I want new. I want amazing people to live in their unique ability," and based on what we've seen, the show will not only meet, but exceed, those expectations.

Check out a clip from 'Live to Dance!'

Tags: paula abdul

Comments

(12)

Wednesday 05 January

By JEN

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I love Paula but could hardly stand to watch this show last night. I tried....
Sorry Paula

By SUE

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I agree. The show is not good.

By Sherry

Vote down Vote up Report this

it was awesome and only some one who hates music or variety shos would say they do not like it.

By raquel wallace

sorry did"not like it to many onstage just bad bad bad I dont thinnnnk it will make it

By kevin

I loved every moment of the show. Great talent and awesome judges. I'll keep watching. :)

By ELLIE

SORRY PAULA I DID NOT LIKE THE SHOW AT ALL. WAY TOO MUCH RAPPING.

By Don

I have always liked Paula Abdul and eagerly looked forward to her new show "Live to Dance". How refreshing. More than met my expectations. The talent displayed blew my mind andI thought over all much better than those on other dance shows. And the judges are not only attractive but seem very sincere. My one regret is that we are only shown a few seconds of some of the acts and some look very interesting. Hats off for Paula. Can't wait for the next show (tonight).

By eddiemylove

I thought it was so-so. I won't be a regular viewer. I wish them all the best.

What was you watching????!?!?! It is dancing not singin

By Barry O

SUCKED!

By cessileclam

I enjoyed the show! It was fun watching all the different performers but I found we were disagreeing with the judges picks alot. The 87 year old couple who got picked almost made me turn the show off as they were sweet but nowhere as good as some of the folks that got turned away. The aussie announcer was not good and hard to understand. The opening theme music needs some work, not catchy and just a snippet. But I will watch tonight too!

By Tinsley, Sharon

I loved it. Paula had a chance to be herself without interference from Simon. A lot of the talent was great. The judges were refreshing. They showed you can terminate people without hurting their feelings. The judges were professional and truthful without being hurtful. I will continue to watch and I am looking forward to this new show.

Page 1 of 1