Straight Up Now, Tell Me: Is Paula Abdul's Video Any Good?

Posted Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:16pm PST by Lyndsey Parker in Reality Rocks

On this week's American Idol elimination episode, good-cop judge Paula Abdul premiered her first music video in more than a decade, for "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow," the song she sang (or, more specifically, lip-synched) earlier this month at the Super Bowl pregame show.

Now, this zippy little disco ditty is slowly but surely growing on me--kind of like a fungus, albeit a benign one. To quote her buddy judge/video co-star Randy Jackson (on whose upcoming album the song appears), it's a'ight, dawg. But as fungally infectious as "Dance" may be, I must say: This woman really has no business doling out singing advice.

Don't get me wrong, I love me some Paula--but even she has to know deep down that any aspiring Idol with her half-octave range would have NEVER made it through to Hollywood, let alone the top 24.

Seriously, look up the saying "Pot Calling Kettle Black" in any slang dictionary, and you'll likely see a photo of Paula telling Kady Malloy or whoever, "You had some pitch problems..."

On on the plus side, "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" showcases Paula's real talent--um, dancing, as the song title implies--and kudos to her that she can still shake what Mama Abdul gave her after all these years. For better or worse, Paula's early-'90s success probably paved the way for vocally challenged future superstars like Britney (also a decent dancer, but a not-so-decent singer), but chances are Britney's career won't be going as strong as Paula's when she's in her forties. If she even makes it to her forties, that is...

Anyway, check out Paula's comeback video below and see if she's got what it takes to get back in the singing game...or if she should just heed the old adage, "Those who can't sing, judge."

3731 Comments

1. Yahoo! Music User -
I wouldn't be that Harsh. I think she's has the right to be a judge, based on her talent. I have to admitt she also looks fantastic.

2. Yahoo! Music User -
I've always thought it was ironic that Paula was hired by Idol to judge singing because she's never been a good singer herself. She is a good dancer and choreographer, but her singing is very weak.

3. Yahoo! Music User -
She's not singing opera, so who cares how many octaves or whatever she's got! The bottom line, is whether you were entertained by the video & music, or not. The song had a very strong club beat and worked for me. Now, if it was a slow ballad, then maybe vocal range would be a factor.

4. Yahoo! Music User -
Paula is so adorable, so can do no wrong. It looks like you had a lot of fun making that video. Good for you. Getting back in the scene. Go girl!

5. betsydoss -
I really enjoyed the video of Paula, it was very entertaining and she's a good dancer, and overall, I think she did a great job in singing. I loved it!!! I could watch it over and over again.

6. redthing -
Not really....she seemed out of step...which is highly unusual since she is a dancer!

7. Alice -
yes she was great,I am 74 yrs. old and I loved it...

8. onehot555 -
loved it! she has always been my icon!

9. Yahoo! Music User -
I'm actually surprised by how much I like this song, its very catchy. However its hard to tell whether or not she can sing at all becuz theres no much effects on her voice! Too much protools!

10. msantore11@verizon.net -
good

11. c t -
paula sure looks alot like janet jackson, doesnt she?

12. courtney c -
actually it was a great song i love that song

13. Cathy -
I really don't care for her, never have, but that's my opinion, as a pop artist, she's no Madonna.

14. msantore11@verizon.net -
she is idol worthy it wouldnt be idol without her.

15. eva.suzuki@sbcglobal.net -
Sorry, Paula Abdul music makes me want to shake it. That's all it's about, baby. Critics make no matter.

16. jtetpon -
Paula Abdul is the sexiest singer on the frickin' tube y'all!!!
Don't takew anything away from the lady!! She is HOT!!
John
Kent, WA

17. Jose C -
She has done what no american idol winner or contestant has ever done.
Great song, lyrcis, dancing, tempo...Fantastic job miss Abdul.
Leave it to the experts!

18. Alex S -
i didnt like the song

19. vikihpnerd -
I think she has talents. She might not be the greatest singer but she can sing.

20. imhauge3 -
I thought you were great Paula. from
Florida
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