Paula Abdul

We may know her best as a judge for reality-TV talent shows, but Paul Abdul is an artist, first and foremost. She had been a dance choreographer for years, starting her career as a cheerleader for the LA Lakers at age 18. All thanks to her talent and investments in the craft, she gained prominence and slowly made her way up the ladder. It was The Jacksons who gave her a ticket to stardom. After choreographing one of Janet’s videos, she was eventually offered a recording contract.

She was intimidated at first, but after a few meetings with them, she got through and her choreography became famous since then. Did you know she’s even won a Grammy award for her award-winning song Opposites Attract? Her album sold over seven million copies worldwide and is still considered one of the most successful debuts at the time. Abdul is the first entertainer to receive a Hall of Fame award from the Nick Children’s Choice Award.