Paula Abdul's Changing Looks

Mark Davis/Getty Images

Start Slideshow

1 of 20

1980

Paula Abdul - Transformation - Beauty - Celebrity Before and After

Yearbook Library

The trendy bowl cut-sporting Van Nuys High School cheerleader turned pro when she was hired as a Lakers Girl.

2 of 20

1986

BEImages

She wore some seriously big hair to celebrate Janet Jackson's double-platinum album. Abdul choreographed and danced in the superstar's "Nasty" video.

3 of 20

1988

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Abdul broke out with tousled layers and her hit album Forever Your Girl.

4 of 20

1990

Jim Smeal/WireImage

She wore a cheerleader-friendly top ponytail to pick up her second Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography.

5 of 20

1991

Time Life Pictures/DMI/Getty Images

For the American Music Awards, Abdul wore a serpent-themed getup and loose locks.

6 of 20

1991

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Her look to launch Spellbound was pure '60s mod-white shadow and a glossy flip.

7 of 20

1992

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Mrs. Emilio Estevez made a showing at the MTV Video Music Awards with rocker-chick feathered bangs.

8 of 20

1996

Jim Smeal/Getty Images

For the American Music Awards, she played up her golden complexion with matching highlights in her angled crop.

9 of 20

2000

SGranitz/WireImage

She went romantic for the Fire and Ice Ball with a curly updo and shimmery pink lipstick.

10 of 20

2003

SGranitz/WireImage

The newly-minted American Idol judge flaunted eye-catching hot pink lipstick at the American Music Awards.

11 of 20

2003

Bill Davila/FilmMagic

She framed her face with a sleek honey-hued bob.

12 of 20

2004

Milan Ryba/Globe Photos

Abdul matched her coral lipstick to her bright blush.

13 of 20

2005

Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

For the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, Abdul added a playful floral touch to her pumped-up 'do.

14 of 20

2006

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

A stick straight blowout for Comic Relief.

15 of 20

2007

Steve Granitz/WireImage

She appeared at the Grammy Awards in a soft, modern version of a beehive.

16 of 20

2008

Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

For the CMT Music Awards, Abdul had seductive side-swept fringe.

17 of 20

2009

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

The Drop Dead Diva guest star chose a half-updo for the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

18 of 20

2011

Peter Brooker/Rex USA

She entered the Los Angeles auditions for The X Factor looking more glam than ever with long, wavy strands.

19 of 20

2012

Paula Abdul - Transformation - Hair - Celebrity Before and After

Mark Davis/Getty Images

Abdul hit the season finale of The X Factor with a chic half-updo.

Replay gallery

Account

More

Paula Abdul's Changing Looks

1 of 20

1980

1 of 20

2 of 20

1986

2 of 20

3 of 20

1988

3 of 20

4 of 20

1990

4 of 20

5 of 20

1991

5 of 20

6 of 20

1991

6 of 20

7 of 20

1992

7 of 20

8 of 20

1996

8 of 20

9 of 20

2000

9 of 20

10 of 20

2003

10 of 20

11 of 20

2003

11 of 20

12 of 20

2004

12 of 20

13 of 20

2005

13 of 20

14 of 20

2006

14 of 20

15 of 20

2007

15 of 20

16 of 20

2008

16 of 20

17 of 20

2009

17 of 20

18 of 20

2011

18 of 20

19 of 20

2012

19 of 20

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Share the Gallery