Paula Abdul Explains How 'Live to Dance' Is 'Different,' Reveals Surprising Inspiration for Getting Back to TV

By David Chiu Posted Jan 6th 2011 05:45PM

Unless you haven't been keeping track of television this week, you already know that Paula Abdul debuted her brand-new CBS dance competition show, 'Live to Dance,' this past Tuesday. For Abdul, the new show brings her career full circle. Before she became a recording artist and 'American Idol' judge, she was a dancer and choreographer who had worked with such acts as Duran Duran, ZZ Top and Janet Jackson.

More importantly, 'Live to Dance' -- for which Abdul serves as the executive producer -- was an opportunity for her to get back into television production work. She specifically credits director and producer James L. Brooks ('The Simpsons,' 'Terms of Endearment'), who brought her to his then-new TV series, 'The Tracey Ullman Show,' in the late '80s.

Watch PopEater's exclusive interview with Paula after the jump.

"This man's a genius," Abdul tells PopEater. "He was courting me to come on a new show he was creating. I came on as choreographer and I fell in love with TV production. I learned from the best and he was my mentor. Not only did I win my first Emmy there, but Jim inspired me to always come back to maybe perhaps producing.

"So here I am now [with] big blessings, CBS and Reveille -- great producing partners -- who have been really gracious in allowing me to have a vision and execute. This is a different type of show."

On 'Live to Dance,' which will air regularly on Wednesdays at 8PM ET, Abdul is the lead expert and mentor judging the contestants who are competing for a $500,000 prize. Besides Abdul, the other judges on the program are dancer Kimberly Wyatt and choreographer Travis Payne.

"It's about celebration," Abdul says. "It's about no age boundaries. You can be 6 years old. We have a 92-year-old. And all styles of dance -- it can be solo, duo, a group of any size. If you can fit on the stage, you're welcome."

According to USA Today, 'Live to Dance' drew 10.2 million viewers for its premiere. Abdul says that what she hopes people will get from the new show is a better appreciation and understanding of the dancer's spirit and psyche.

"Once a dancer, always a dancer," she says. "If you stop for 30 years, you can always get back on that so-called bicycle and keep going. Dance is just like that. It's an energy shift that really just promotes happiness, inspiration as a kid. I had dance and I thank God for that. It's a medium that transcends any language barrier. It's a visual medium that pierces the heart strings and inspires."

Learn more about Paula's never ending search for talent at PaulaAbdul.com and AuditionBooth.com.

Tags: American Idol, Live to Dance, paula abdul

Comments

(23)

Thursday 06 January

By Hmmm

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It's one too many reality contestant based shows on the tube for me with the same old 3 judge format. It's not a new concept! I wish Paula well with the show but I won't be watching as it's overload.

By fiona

It's boring, nothing fresh or unique. It's 'America's Got Talent' with just dancers. But to each his own.

Saturday 08 January

By ggxx8

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For Abdul, the new show brings her career full circle. Before she became a recording artist and 'American Idol' judge, she was a dancer and choreographer who had worked with such acts as Duran Duran, ZZ Top and Janet Jackson. I love this , So does My boyfriend .he is almost 11year older than me .i met him via age'lessmate.c'om a nice place for seeking age le ss love.which gives you a chance to make your life better and open opportunities for you to meet the attractive young girls and treat you like a king. Maybe you wanna check it out or tell your friends..

By frtkghk

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I've been in love Paula since she started. She's still sexy and sings like an angel.I love this , So does My boyfriend .he is almost 11year older than me .i met him via agegaps ingles.c'om a nice place for seeking age le ss love.which gives you a chance to make your life better and open opportunities for you to meet the attractive young girls and treat you like a king. Maybe you wanna check it out or tell your friends.. Just love it

Friday 07 January

By Cherie

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I just wonder where shows like this were before my knees and ankles gave out. I love to dance. My mama started teaching us to dance before we could even walk. I see the joy on the faces of the dancers on the show and think, wow, that's how I felt when I was dancing. Even watching, I can't keep my feet still. Arthritis or not, I'd love to give it a try.

Monday 10 January

By carol

Paula, give it up. The show was boring and with nothing new to add. So u think u can dance is much better.

By elaine

Love Paula and loved the show! I will catch it after I return from church on Wednesday night.

By wanda

Been watching paula on the new show. she acts goofy at times almost like shes drinking...JUST SAYING>

By johnny

Her new show is sooooo BAD!!!! It will be cancelled very soon!

By murfusmc

I just thin PAULA is a BEAUTIFUL and SEXY woman, I love her.

By Just Sayin

This show is so lame! I agree with Johnny, that the show will soon be cancelled.

By Great One

B O R I N G

By Bilbo

Really the 5 million she snubbed her nose at on idol was more that she will ever be worth now. If she invested well she can now grow to be a bitter old woman.

By ennui

I would rather watch a puddle evaporate.

By Eric Dege

the show is terrible...so disorganized...to many break dancers...who cares about old people who can't dance...you make fun of them andd talk down to them....You had Dorothy Kloss on and you never showed her dancing....She's a better dancer than anyone you had. A great idea for a show...and there is so much talent out there...you don't need fools trying to dance.....

By Rocky

I think Paula is a beautifu and sexy woman myself, but if she wants to hear new talent from a indie recording artist with 10 hits in UK tell her check out on myspace/rockyscott21

By Evelyn Gould

This is the BEST contestant based show on the air. The judges are positive even when they have to be critical. No drama to listen to from the judges trying to grab all the attention or to try and be funny at the contestants expense. No distractions for the viewer..just concentration on the dancing. Don't know whos idea this POSITIVE approach was but....thank you!

By SNooz

I love Paula and hat all the bad hype hype against her. She seems to be a real sweetheart!

By Lamont

This show will not make it!! Truely sad to watch it!

By Dennis

I've been in love Paula since she started. She's still sexy and sings like an angel.

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