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Paula Abdul fourth judge on 'The X Factor'

by jmaloni
Mon, May 9th 2011 12:15 pm

America's sweetheart, world-renowned choreographer and pop icon Paula Abdul will join Cheryl Cole, Antonio "L.A." Reid and Simon Cowell as a judge on "The X Factor." Abdul, who sat alongside Cowell for eight seasons as a judge on "American Idol," has worldwide album sales exceeding 50 million records, two No. 1 albums, six No. 1 singles, a Grammy Award, seven MTV Awards, two Emmy Awards, two People's Choice Awards and two Kids' Choice Awards.

Abdul will join Cole, Cowell, and Reid as they travel to "The X Factor" audition cities searching for the next global superstar or breakout music group.

"This show would never have been the same without Paula, and I can't believe I am saying this - I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she's on the show," said Simon Cowell.

"I am excited beyond words to be a part of 'The X Factor.' I couldn't be happier to bring my love for cultivating talent and performance to such a wildly anticipated show," said Paula Abdul. "I'm looking forward to being back with the FOX/FremantleMedia family and know that it will be an extraordinary journey - we're going to have a blast. I'm also delighted and grateful to be sitting next to Simon again ... but you might want to check back with me in a week or two!"

"Paula is not only the lovely, nurturing person that America fell in love with, but she's also one of the fiercest competitors I've ever seen - which makes her a perfect fit to judge 'The X Factor,' "said Mike Darnell, president of alternative entertainment for Fox Broadcasting Company. "Paula and Simon have undeniable chemistry, and together with L.A. Reid and Cheryl Cole, I think we've put together an incredibly entertaining judges' panel."

"The X Factor" is searching for undiscovered talent 12 years old or over - both solo artists and vocal groups - who are willing to brave the panel for a chance to win a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music. Interested solo artists and vocal groups should sign up now for audition information at www.fox.com/theXfactor or call toll-free 855-345-5678.

About Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul is one of the most-recognized pop singers and choreographers in film, television, video, stage and live tours. Her celebrated work in choreography includes Emmy-winning contributions to "The Tracey Ullman Show" and Emmy-nominated choreography for the Academy Awards, as well as Abdul's own performance on "The American Music Awards." Other triumphs include her award-winning work with Janet Jackson, which garnered two MTV Video Awards; and working with such music legends as Aretha Franklin, George Michael, Luther Vandross, INXS, Heart and Prince.

Abdul's favorite memory is dancing alongside her idol, Gene Kelly, in a celebrated and acclaimed commercial campaign. Abdul's choreography contributions in feature films include the Academy Award-winning "American Beauty," working with Cuba Gooding Jr. on his Academy Award-winning performance in "Jerry Maguire," and transforming Val Kilmer into Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's "The Doors."

Abdul's music career encompasses worldwide album sales exceeding 50 million records, two No. 1 albums, six No. 1 singles, a Grammy Award, seven MTV Awards, two Emmy Awards, two People's Choice Awards and two Kids' Choice Awards. She has also been honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and inducted into Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Hall of Fame.

Abdul served as a judge alongside Simon Cowell for eight seasons on the hit series "American Idol."

An acclaimed jewelry designer, Abdul introduced her Paula Abdul Jewelry Collection on QVC to record-breaking sales. The collection consists of charms, pendants, earrings and bracelets in a mix of textures and metals, adorned with meaningful phrases.

Abdul, who got her first break as a Los Angeles Laker Girl, continues to honor her roots by running dance and cheerleading camps, competitions and scholarship programs throughout the country.

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