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Beginning with her first #1 hit, "Straight Up," in 1988, Paula Abdul was a Gen X darling of epic proportions. For Paula, last year's Straight Up Paula! tour was a miracle. When audiences come out to see her, they will bear witness to one of the greatest comeback stories in show business history. Because of Paula's preference for handling tough times privately, our conversation may shock you, but will also make you root for her. Paula's inimitable strength is in her refusal to allow her story to end with tragedy. She insisted on a second act with her long- running stint on American Idol as the judge with heart to Simon Cowell's stone-cold blunt criticisms of aspiring vocalists. The show introduced her to a new generation of fans. Her Straight Up Paula! tour is a triumphant third act where she'll share, not only her catalog of music and iconic choreography, but her surprisingly poignant life story. Beyond singing and dancing, it was Paula's million-dollar smile, huge heart, and humble responses during interviews that captured the public's affections and helped to define an entire generation. Beginning with her first #1 hit, "Straight Up," in 1988, Paula Abdul was a Gen X darling of epic proportions. She brought something new and engaging to the mix, matching meticulous dance choreography with pop music. Paula's warmth and accessible appeal made an entire generation smitten. As someone put it to me recently, "She could have been your best friend's sister, your cute neighbor… the girl next door you just had to get to know." You've said that when it comes to your choreography, you would often dream the dance steps up in your mind, and then you would run to the bathroom mirror and go through the steps that you'd already envisioned. I find that so interesting, because that's how I write. I write by either talking to myself or thinking out loud, whatever you want to call it [laughs]; or by having these inspired thoughts that come into my awareness. I'll then rush over to the computer and type it all out. By the time I get to my computer, it's already written, just like by the time you get to that mirror the choreography is already done. Paula Abdul: Exactly the same! Do you feel that when it comes to your choreography, it's being channeled through you, like it's coming from some higher source? Because that's how I often feel… PA: Yes, that completely makes sense to me, because sometimes I'll even question myself, like, "Where did that idea come from?" It's really strange, but sometimes I can be in this zone where it feels like auto-pilot, and I'm not even aware of it. It's kind of cool. I remember reading something your mom said years ago, about you being 4 or 5 years old and declaring that you were meant to be a dancer; something to that effect. When did you start taking dancing lessons? PA: I started taking dancing lessons at 7, but I was 4 years old when I walked up to the TV set and told my family, "I'm going to do that," and it was while watching Gene Kelly in Singing in the Rain. Well, I remember your mom telling a story about a night when it was raining so hard outside that she couldn't bring you to your dance class, and you were hysterical crying. The thought of missing a dance class was just devastating to you. Did you actually feel from that very young age that dancing is what you were put on this earth to do? PA: I absolutely did feel that way. I knew what my calling was. It's very interesting, because I find that with dance, for many young kids, it's just like that. I hear from so many parents saying that their daughter, that's all she does. She does her studies, but she takes six classes a week and can't bear the thought of not being able to make it through a class. Dance can strike a chord in your heart unlike anything else. It gets into your soul and it changes people's lives. It's been [therapeutic] for me, and for most people who dance. I hear so many of the same stories. Is there anything else you feel you are still here to accomplish or experience, that has yet to be done? PA: I really want to do some more producing, both in television and film. I'd also like to do some more acting, something that is completely against type. I think it would be more challenging and fun, and it allows you to explore in a way where most people have no idea that a character like that can be within you.