I wish people would Paula would give a break, she's gone through alot in her life I think. I haven't seen the way she has been acting of late but she's seems like a nice person. I rooted for her in the past. I have been through some stuff in my own life so I understnd where Paula is coming from. Maybe Paula is going through something like right now or as "Marty" said before she is taking pills I mean some pills have major sideaffects.

As for Paula's popularity I was born in 1979 and I do remember hearing Paula's name in my school(I guess some of my classmates liked her music) and do remember hearing "Rush Rush" nack in the day. I do listen to some of her music myself even though I was a grunge/alternative fan way back in the day I don;t feel guilty listening to some of her music. Anyways, Her popularity faded from I would say 1993-2001 maybe? (whenever she started on American Idol.) I mean she did have some hits in early 1992 but her comeback in 1995 wasn't successful.

I wish people would Paula would give a break, she's gone through alot in her life I think. I haven't seen the way she has been acting of late but she's seems like a nice person. I rooted for her in the past. I have been through some stuff in my own life so I understnd where Paula is coming from. Maybe Paula is going through something like right now or as "Marty" said before she is taking pills I mean some pills have major sideaffects.

As for Paula's popularity I was born in 1979 and I do remember hearing Paula's name in my school(I guess some of my classmates liked her music) and do remember hearing "Rush Rush" nack in the day. I do listen to some of her music myself even though I was a grunge/alternative fan way back in the day I don;t feel guilty listening to some of her music. Anyways, Her popularity faded from I would say 1993-2001 maybe? (whenever she started on American Idol.) I mean she did have some hits in early 1992 but her comeback in 1995 wasn't successful.

Well said. 8) You can't judge someone on their surface behavior without knowing what they're going through. There's always a better to chance to understand where people are coming from if you see the full story (which the Hey Paula episodes seemed to do).

While I've known a bit about her since VH1 did a couple of documentaries/interviews in the early '90s, I didn't find out about some of the harder stuff and struggles she went through until later. I commend her even more for the fact that she pulled through and came out on the other side. Lots of people probably couldn't do that.

P.S. Yeah I agree 1993 to 2001 was her lower profile time, and more specifally from 1996 until the American Idol premiere.

Cool, I still love all of those to this day. 8) Even though I knew of the Forever Your Girl singles, it was when Spellbound came out, that I became more of a fan. "Rush Rush" is a great, unique song along with its Rebel Without a Cause-inspired video with Keanu, lol (VH1 used to play it all the time back then). ;)

While I think most people with a passing knowledge of 1989 or early '90s pop culture would've still known about her (and possibly could've been new fans), she likely wouldn't have the same popularity now if it weren't for A.I. Although from what I recall, she was always somewhat in the spotlight. She did some acting roles in TV shows during that midperiod, so it was just a "lower profile" celebrity status.

The progression to Idol is actually pretty logical, unlike some celebs who do something entirely different later on. Like, if someone told her at the peak of her music career, "Hey, in 15 years you'll be a judge on this TV show with aspiring new singers that the audience votes for", it wouldn't have sounded too far-fetched, lol. Both have to do with singing and performing. Plus, I'm sure she knows how tough it can be, which is probably why she tends to be nice/encouraging to the contestants. :)


Yes, I was a fan from early on, but what I found with her Spellbound album was more serious music. It's kinda funny, my mom has a home movie of my friend and I dancing to her Rush, Rush song from about 16 years ago! I was 9 years old, but I was trying so hard to act like this woman who's been scorned, lol. I remember the video to Rush, Rush somewhat vaguely, but with the mention of Keanu, it sorta put some images in my mind, lol.  ;D

I think newer fans today probably had not heard of her until Idol came on. Maybe a few who had parents who listened to her music around the time they were young, but I still feel that Idol gave her a new fanbase for a new generation.

she is pretty pissed about that drug/alcohol accusations but she is so flighty and loopy its hard not to believe them...


Yea, that is true.  But you also have to remember, before she was "Forever Your Girl", Paula was a true "Valley Girl".  I still remember her from High School with the big puffed out hair, pastel colours, and the "Like, whatever!" way of talking.

Yea, that is true.  But you also have to remember, before she was "Forever Your Girl", Paula was a true "Valley Girl".  I still remember her from High School with the big puffed out hair, pastel colours, and the "Like, whatever!" way of talking.


Wow, did you actually know her personally back then? That's cool.

Basically I think if you're around a style of talking or certain words, you'll just kind of residually pick it up without even trying to. That's just a natural thing and doesn't imply anything about a person themself. For instance, I've heard the late '90sesque hip hop slang for so long now that I'll catch myself using them sometimes without intending to (i.e. "tight"). Even though that's generally very not me, it's just in my subconcious since I've heard it so much now.

Paula is from the San Fernando Valley, so likewise I'm sure she knew lots of Valley types in the early '80s too, lol.

Wow, did you actually know her personally back then? That's cool.

Paula is from the San Fernando Valley, so likewise I'm sure she knew lots of Valley types in the early '80s too, lol.


Oh wow, you have no idea how many "Vals" I knew.  And yes, I kinda knew her.  She was Senior Class President, Head Cheerleader, and Valadictorian.  But she was just "Paula" to those of us that knew her.  She and the other cheerleaders often hung out with the ROTC group, and know that she was often there amongst us.

Ironically, I did not realize that she was the same Paula I went to school with until the mid 1990's.  By the time she started her music career, she had really changed her appearance.  Compare these two videos to see what I mean:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XRoa8C8VbA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbknGnZXHUk

In case you did not recognize her, Paula was the one singing, wearing the frilly striped dress.  That was closer to the Paula that I remember.  By the time she started her real singing career, she really had changed her appearance.

And Van Nuys High School has long been a haven for Hollywood, both as an area to live in as well as a school to film in.  Robert Redford, Natalie Wood, Marilyn Monroe, and Julie Borwn are all alumni, and it was both Ridgemont High and "Rock & Roll High School".  Both Christine and Fast Times were filmed there when I was a student, and when they wanted ROTC cadets for a Jerry Lewis movie, they hired us to play the part (in a horrible movie called "Slapstick Of Another Kind").

Oh wow, you have no idea how many "Vals" I knew.  And yes, I kinda knew her.  She was Senior Class President, Head Cheerleader, and Valadictorian.  But she was just "Paula" to those of us that knew her.  She and the other cheerleaders often hung out with the ROTC group, and know that she was often there amongst us.

Ironically, I did not realize that she was the same Paula I went to school with until the mid 1990's.  By the time she started her music career, she had really changed her appearance.  Compare these two videos to see what I mean:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XRoa8C8VbA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbknGnZXHUk

In case you did not recognize her, Paula was the one singing, wearing the frilly striped dress.  That was closer to the Paula that I remember.  By the time she started her real singing career, she really had changed her appearance.

And Van Nuys High School has long been a haven for Hollywood, both as an area to live in as well as a school to film in.  Robert Redford, Natalie Wood, Marilyn Monroe, and Julie Borwn are all alumni, and it was both Ridgemont High and "Rock & Roll High School".  Both Christine and Fast Times were filmed there when I was a student, and when they wanted ROTC cadets for a Jerry Lewis movie, they hired us to play the part (in a horrible movie called "Slapstick Of Another Kind").

So you were more of a casual acquaintance? Still, that must've been amazing when you discovered a semi-friend had become famous. One cool thing about these things is that you never know where life is going to take you. She started out as a cheerleader, choreographing routines, which led to doing that for music videos, which led to her own music.

I can tell it's her, she hadn't aged much by c. 1989 (there's only about 10-12 years in between this and her music career). Also, people's voices seem to pretty much stay the same after adolescence starts. The difference is noticeable with the fashions and singing style. That movie is quite Seventies, although I can see some presages to the Valley Girl era as well.

I didn't realize your high school was the basis for Fast Times. It would seem amazing to someone who didn't live in that environment to be surrounded by celebrities and being in close proximity to movies. But for someone who's from there (such as yourself) I bet it was less of a big deal.

Coincidentally, I noticed someone posted all three episides on YouTube, so I've actually seen them now. Apologize if I jumped the gun a little bit before. :)

With anything, I've noticed that criticism tends to come from people reacting to their first impression or the easiest answer at the time and thinking Oh, that must be it. They're probably not intending to be mean, but you've gotta look at the whole story.

I've kinda heard things about her recently that were profiled on the show. As objective to both sides as I tried to be, I didn't notice it myself. For instance, people were saying how awfully she treated her assistants for not packing sweatpants on her airline flight. I'd disagree - maybe mildly annoyed at the most, but everyone gets like that sometimes. We've all got our preferences and stuff we want a certain way, lol. When you combine it with having an exhausting schedule and not that much sleep, it's understandable.

From everything I could see here (as well as what I've observed or knew before), she seems like she's usually positive and really nice to everyone, just under pressure alot of the time.

The impression I got from her publicist was that he's basically a good guy who's on her side. Even though there was one time she got a little ticked off at him somewhat understandably, for not immediately dispelling the "drunk" rumors when they came up, I think what he's more worried about isn't so much how she herself might act, but how those actions could be perceived by people who weren't there and don't know the whole story - i.e. the media.

Even if some shows might exaggerate things to make it entertaining, everything seemed pretty real to me here (although I'm sure they edited out the less notable stuff, of course). Like the misunderstanding in the news studio, when a bunch of cities were talking to her at once, and she got a couple of their answers mixed up...I know things like that can happen, technology isn't perfect, lol.

I can't personally speak for everything else, but I've sorta experienced speech awkwardness myself sometimes. Like if a question comes up that you weren't expecting, and you can't think of the best thing to say at the moment, it's normal to get a little confused or stumble on your words. Especially if you're trying to make the best impression possible or if you only have a certain amount of time. Also, sometimes your mind works quicker than you can say the words, lol. In fact, I'd say that's like a sign of perfection, because you care about what you're about to say. So you're not going to rush it or just say the first random thing that comes into your head. ;)



Well you're starting to come around. I was a fan of Paula's too but I knew nothing about her because all my exsposure was thru vids & tv movies. I don't do celeb gossip and rag mags.  But watching this show, especially since she has creative control over it, I am astounded she lets herself be portrayed in this way. she is loopy most of the time, and I'm sorry but she comes across as a whinny brat- from the selling out of her QVC jewlery to being upset because she lost the numbers in her cell phone and her assistant "forgot" to tell her to reply to an email from the chicken soup for the soul guy.  (BTW, Joel McHale riffs on this beautifully on The Soup this week.

Anyway, below is a clip from this Weeks Hey Paula. Its part 2 of Episode 4. And features the kitchen breakdown and her appearance on QVC.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81sVmjIbp5g

BTW, I do like that Paula makes time for her fans, as someone who has seen a lot of celebs in person, you appreciate the ones who take time out for you more than the ones who think they are too good to stay at a fan event and sign an autograph.

But what's up with her NEVER having cash? I mean the assistant has to tip the valet; she "dances" for a dollar at an airport vending machine then she whines about having to dip into her own pocket to give the idol kids jewelry she promised them...

Can we talk about the privelidge of celebrity and why the ones who can afford the stuff are also the ones always expecting it for free?  >:(

So you were more of a casual acquaintance? Still, that must've been amazing when you discovered a semi-friend had become famous. One cool thing about these things is that you never know where life is going to take you. She started out as a cheerleader, choreographing routines, which led to doing that for music videos, which led to her own music.

I didn't realize your high school was the basis for Fast Times. It would seem amazing to someone who didn't live in that environment to be surrounded by celebrities and being in close proximity to movies. But for someone who's from there (such as yourself) I bet it was less of a big deal.


Well, when you grow up with people like that, you really become blase` about it.  At the same time, I also hung around the same arcade that Todd Bridges did.  He was already famous, and I always considered him to be somewhat of a jerk.  He always had this group (they would call it a 'posse' now) around him that would like hang on everything he said, and do anything he asked.  My friends and I called them "Willis and his sycophants".  And ironically, his "posse" were all fairly rich white kids.

As far as her not carrying cash, that is increasingly common nowadays.  At least 2-3 times a week, we will have somebody want to buy a $5 item, and use either a check or credit card.  I have even seen people in stores use a credit card to buy a pack of gum.  This is especially common in bigger cities, where having cash makes you a larger target for criminals.  If it is known you do not carry cash, it makes you much less likely to be a target (or if you are robbed, they will not get away with anything that can't be replaced).

Well, when you grow up with people like that, you really become blase` about it.  At the same time, I also hung around the same arcade that Todd Bridges did.  He was already famous, and I always considered him to be somewhat of a jerk.  He always had this group (they would call it a 'posse' now) around him that would like hang on everything he said, and do anything he asked.  My friends and I called them "Willis and his sycophants".  And ironically, his "posse" were all fairly rich white kids.

As far as her not carrying cash, that is increasingly common nowadays.  At least 2-3 times a week, we will have somebody want to buy a $5 item, and use either a check or credit card.  I have even seen people in stores use a credit card to buy a pack of gum.  This is especially common in bigger cities, where having cash makes you a larger target for criminals.  If it is known you do not carry cash, it makes you much less likely to be a target (or if you are robbed, they will not get away with anything that can't be replaced).


Considering the Entourage Celebs usually travel in.. there is always a publisist, manager and assistant I'm not too concerned about them getting mugged. Mostly my comment was specifically for Celebs. I rarely carry cash too. but it seems celebs always...well always is over exaggerating...want their assistants to pay for them I'm thinking dip into your 100K- to millions and pay 'your damn self'

Well, when you grow up with people like that, you really become blase` about it.  At the same time, I also hung around the same arcade that Todd Bridges did.  He was already famous, and I always considered him to be somewhat of a jerk.  He always had this group (they would call it a 'posse' now) around him that would like hang on everything he said, and do anything he asked.  My friends and I called them "Willis and his sycophants".  And ironically, his "posse" were all fairly rich white kids.

As far as her not carrying cash, that is increasingly common nowadays.  At least 2-3 times a week, we will have somebody want to buy a $5 item, and use either a check or credit card.  I have even seen people in stores use a credit card to buy a pack of gum.  This is especially common in bigger cities, where having cash makes you a larger target for criminals.  If it is known you do not carry cash, it makes you much less likely to be a target (or if you are robbed, they will not get away with anything that can't be replaced).


Yeah, I don't usually have more than $20-30 on me unless I know I'm going to buy something ahead of time, and sometimes not even that much. Even if the actual possibility of being robbed is pretty slim, it just feels safer not to.

Ah, it's too bad you didn't get the best impression from Todd Bridges at the time. Maybe he's different now?



Snozberries - I do understand what you're saying, but I guess we'll have to agree to halfway disagree. :) The impression I got is that she's sometimes just a little stressed out from having such a tight schedule. If you're in a hurry to get somewhere, like to class or work, you might get annoyed at things that otherwise would be no big deal to you. Like red lights or slow drivers.

I bet lots of people (some other celebs included) having all that much to do at once would say, "To heck with this", but she seems really dedicated to it, which is why she's under the pressure she is. Her assistants seemed like good people who did their best. Since there's alot for them to do, they probably just made some simple mistakes or there was a miscommunication (i.e. the extra jewelery not being set aside). So while it might've not been anyone's intentional "fault", I can see why she'd be upset at the situations.

Even though it's a reality show, I'm sure at least a few little things are thrown in halfway for entertainment, like dancing for a dollar, lol.

Snozberries - I do understand what you're saying, but I guess we'll have to agree to halfway disagree. :) The impression I got is that she's sometimes just a little stressed out from having such a tight schedule. If you're in a hurry to get somewhere, like to class or work, you might get annoyed at things that otherwise would be no big deal to you. Like red lights or slow drivers.

I bet lots of people (some other celebs included) having all that much to do at once would say, "To heck with this", but she seems really dedicated to it, which is why she's under the pressure she is. Her assistants seemed like good people who did their best. Since there's alot for them to do, they probably just made some simple mistakes or there was a miscommunication (i.e. the extra jewelery not being set aside). So while it might've not been anyone's intentional "fault", I can see why she'd be upset at the situations.

Even though it's a reality show, I'm sure at least a few little things are thrown in halfway for entertainment, like dancing for a dollar, lol.


Yeah I can accept meeting halfway for now but I'm gonna try and pull you closer to my side...reserving further comments until next's ep...Snoz sez Peace out  http://www.inthe00s.com/smile/03/cry(1).gif  <- my smiley of Paula in the kitchen with her assistant  ;D

Considering the Entourage Celebs usually travel in.. there is always a publisist, manager and assistant I'm not too concerned about them getting mugged. Mostly my comment was specifically for Celebs. I rarely carry cash too. but it seems celebs always...well always is over exaggerating...want their assistants to pay for them I'm thinking dip into your 100K- to millions and pay 'your damn self'


Actually, paying for routine things is normally part of the job of the entourage.  After all, that is what expense accounts are for.

One of my friends used to work as a "handler" for a rather famous Hollywood name.  Part of his job was to drive them around, and be with them every waking moment.  He also had to keep this person "clean and sober".  He had to be around everybody that this person met, and make sure that none of them were passing along drugs or alcohol.

And he also routinely paid for everything, from gas and lunch to parking fees and movie tickets.  Things like this were just part of the job, and he was fully reimbursed every week for everything he spent.  Of course, this is often why some celebs seem so badly out of touch with reality. 

Actually, paying for routine things is normally part of the job of the entourage.  After all, that is what expense accounts are for.

One of my friends used to work as a "handler" for a rather famous Hollywood name.  Part of his job was to drive them around, and be with them every waking moment.  He also had to keep this person "clean and sober".  He had to be around everybody that this person met, and make sure that none of them were passing along drugs or alcohol.

And he also routinely paid for everything, from gas and lunch to parking fees and movie tickets.  Things like this were just part of the job, and he was fully reimbursed every week for everything he spent.  Of course, this is often why some celebs seem so badly out of touch with reality. 


What a crappy job... really, IMO, it just makes celebs look petty and pathetic.  I had to laugh tho. when Oprah and Gayle took that road trip.  Oprah hadn't pumped gas in 20 yrs and didn't know how. Then when it came time to pay she was shocked at the amount (not cuz of gas prices tho but because the production team also tanked on her pump.  ;D

What a crappy job... really, IMO, it just makes celebs look petty and pathetic.  I had to laugh tho. when Oprah and Gayle took that road trip.  Oprah hadn't pumped gas in 20 yrs and didn't know how. Then when it came time to pay she was shocked at the amount (not cuz of gas prices tho but because the production team also tanked on her pump.  ;D


There are celebs, and there are celebs.  A lot of that all depends on how they want to live.

I have done work over the years in the homes of several "Celebs".  One couple I know of does not even do their own shopping.  They have people who do that for them.  Then there is another one who refuses to have any kind of entourage at all, he even does his own cooking and cleaning.

And when you really think about it, how many of us would be much different?  If you were so rich that you could have somebody else take care of all the little hastles in your life (like paying your electric bill for you), would you really want to do it yourself?

There are celebs, and there are celebs.  A lot of that all depends on how they want to live.

I have done work over the years in the homes of several "Celebs".  One couple I know of does not even do their own shopping.  They have people who do that for them.  Then there is another one who refuses to have any kind of entourage at all, he even does his own cooking and cleaning.

And when you really think about it, how many of us would be much different?  If you were so rich that you could have somebody else take care of all the little hastles in your life (like paying your electric bill for you), would you really want to do it yourself?


Good point. It's sometimes easy for people who aren't in that situation to shrug it off, criticize them and say, "Well, can't you just do it yourself?" Yet, if we were in the position they were, there's a good chance we would do the same thing. In some respects, it makes life far less stressful. If you already have to constantly focus on your act or other aspects of being famous, it can probably be an extra headache to do mundane daily things which you can hire someone else to do. Lots of non-famous people who are richer, have assistants like butlers and housemaids, so I don't see what the big deal is, lol.


P.S. As far as the jewelery incident is concerned, money probably wasn't the issue (I'm sure she can afford it - she's probably got more than all of us combined!), I think it was the principle of that guy not remembering to set some of it aside.

P.S. As far as the jewelery incident is concerned, money probably wasn't the issue (I'm sure she can afford it - she's probably got more than all of us combined!), I think it was the principle of that guy not remembering to set some of it aside.


If you watch the episode she references reaching into her own pocket several times.
Now I have to pay
Out of my pocket
Its not fair

Seriously... she just looks like a  Whiny Brat...

If you watch the episode she references reaching into her own pocket several times.
Now I have to pay
Out of my pocket
Its not fair

Seriously... she just looks like a  Whiny Brat...


Well, we might never reach a total conclusion on this. :) :D

To thrown in my two cents again, though, it strikes me that those incidents you're referring to arise not from the monetary issue itself. I think she's just semi-frustrated at her assistants for not quite being as on top of things as they could be. If you were under the impression you didn't have to do something, then it turned out you did after all, that would probably annoy any of us. To their credit, they seem like nice people on her side who just might've made simple mistakes (they're probably busy themselves), or didn't plan ahead as well as they could have.

Plus, you do want things to kind of be a certain way, especially when you're basically running on next to no sleep and limited food for days at a time. She seems like she works really hard, and technically doesn't even have to do everything, but wants to. I bet lots of people when faced with those kind of demands and appearances, would just say "Oh, to hell with this" and back out. That she pushes herself regardless ought to say something for dedication.

I'm sure when American Idol isn't taping and she's relaxing at home or having a normal leisurely day in town, going to a Starbucks or whatever, it doesn't play out like we're seeing. Shows are all about ratings and getting people to watch and discuss it (much like we're doing now, lol). They wouldn't show typical mundane, everyday events, but those honestly pervade alot more than the notable things they're airing for us to see. Kind of like how newscasts only usually report on the negative side of the world, but there's of course, far more positive things that outweigh them. They just get far less attention, so people don't notice it as much.

Okay I'll concede on one poing

I really like the way Paula is with her fans. That girl waiting for Paula outside of the Letterman show, I know how she felt, I have been that girl. You may have read about the time I kinda sorta stalked Tyne Daly at a Cagney & Lacey event.... so watching Paula take the time to hang with the fans is cool.

BUT> did you see last Thursday's ep?  Paula has to rent a house due to rennovations that are going to occur in her current residence. The rental is unfurnished and Paula asks Daniel her hair stylist/best friend to help her with the interior designer. Now Daniel was just supposed to spout advise but, since Paula didn't show up to the meeting, Daniel had to make all the decisions. She acted like they just went on all willy nilly with out her but Daniel called to find out where she was and if she was going to show up to the meeting at all?  Poor Paula, the decor Daniel approved was not to her liking...Poor Daniel to scared to say he loved it once he realized she HATED it.  Poor designer doing and undoing all this work because Paula couldn't be bothered to meet her commitment.... Poor me for watching the whiny bitch every week even though she drives me nuts!

Maybe the 2 Coreys will be more to my liking... probably not...  :-\\ 

^ I saw part of that episode too. I'll have to admit, that slightly threw me off at first, too. Although when I thought about it a bit, I guess she felt that she is paying to rent and get it decorated, and wanted it the way SHE wanted it.

Juust personally, I don't think I would've cared too much about the decorations if it were me, but I tend to be quite easygoing. Nobody can say for sure how they would react until they're actually in a given situation. I have feeling she is the type that ultimately expects alot out of others, but I tend to feel she also gives a lot, too. Especially to, say charities and taking time for fans. I also saw the episode where she signs an autograph and hugged that girl outside Letterman, which seemed sweet and genuine.

But I do understand what you're saying. The designers worked quite hard too, so I can understand how they might've been taken aback by her disapproval. It strikes me that she was more upset by the fact that they didn't consult her stylist/friend about what they were going to do before they went ahead with it. I'm sure her assistants (and anyone else involved in her career) just have such busy schedules themselves, that some points of communication just kinda get lost occasionally. So I don't blame either side and I can see where both are coming from.

Just for the sake of argument, even if I felt she were entirely in the wrong, I wouldn't hold it against her. Everybody's human and we've all made mistakes or had regrets at some point. To use another much more controversial example with Michael Jackson (and let's be honest, what he's been accused of is a thousand times worse than anything with Paula). If that were proven to be true, I'd lose alot of respect for him as a person, but it wouldn't stop me from liking his music or appreciating the good things he's done.

^ I saw part of that episode too. I'll have to admit, that slightly threw me off at first, too. Although when I thought about it a bit, I guess she felt that she is paying to rent and get it decorated, and wanted it the way SHE wanted it.


^Then she should have shown up to tell them what she wanted

It strikes me that she was more upset by the fact that they didn't consult her stylist/friend about what they were going to do before they went ahead with it.

^Guess you didn't see the whole episode, the stylist and decorator talked about Paula's style and looked at pictures together, presumably they agreed upon the design- that part was edited out- what was left in was the stylist walking through the house talking about how much he loved it and how he thought it was perfect for Paula...too bad Paula disagreed.  And it seemed (editing) that Daniel never took responsibility for the look based on the discussions he had with the designer-> the discussion Paula never showed up for. 

Just for the sake of argument, even if I felt she were entirely in the wrong, I wouldn't hold it against her. Everybody's human and we've all made mistakes or had regrets at some point. To use another much more controversial example with Michael Jackson (and let's be honest, what he's been accused of is a thousand times worse than anything with Paula). If that were proven to be true, I'd lose alot of respect for him as a person, but it wouldn't stop me from liking his music or appreciating the good things he's done.

You're right we are all flawed, its human nature... I most certainly do not want anyone to examine my life with microscope but inherent in all of us is how we deal with things... do we stand up and say we screwed up when we err or do we blame someone else for the error? Do we say, I would love to do that but I am over-scheduled or do we do it anyway and then whine because we are tired? 

Paula blames her assistants for virtually everything that goes wrong, she expects everyone to know what she wants and then gets upset when they didn't read her mind. She cries almost every time something fails to go her way. And she is doing all of this on TV just so I can spend my weekends scrutinizing her actions.... THANKS PAULA! ;D

*bump*

Just thought of this, but I wonder if there's maybe a semi-generation divider at the point where people more commonly associate Paula with her musical stardom period (1989 to maybe early '93) or with American Idol (2002+ and especially starting mid-decade)?

Like I said, quite a few of my peers liked her music during the inbetween time. I know a couple people born in '85 who were fans as little kids. Courtandspark is a 1990er and also said he has some memories, even if slightly secondhand when certain songs were still commonly on the radio. I guess that would be about the youngest, though. From my perspective she's "a popstar who now judges Idol", although I've personally always tended to view time in a forward sense for anything. The present is really just a culmination and an outgrowth of the past. I'm pretty much starting in the early '90s (when I was familarized with her/started becoming a fan) and working forward, but it's probably the other way around for some people.

Reason being, if you recall her musical period at all, I think you've got at least a tiny shred of '80s experience (even if Forever Your Girl was the only album that was really "Eighties"). Same for other pop music from that era like MC Hammer, early Janet Jackson, power ballads or Steve Winwood.

*bump*

Just thought of this, but I wonder if there's maybe a semi-generation divider at the point where people more commonly associate Paula with her musical stardom period (1989 to maybe early '93) or with American Idol (2002+ and especially starting mid-decade)?

Like I said, quite a few of my peers liked her music during the inbetween time. I know a couple people born in '85 who were fans as little kids. Courtandspark is a 1990er and also said he has some memories, even if slightly secondhand when certain songs were still commonly on the radio. I guess that would be about the youngest, though. From my perspective she's "a popstar who now judges Idol", although I've personally always tended to view time in a forward sense for anything. The present is really just a culmination and an outgrowth of the past. I'm pretty much starting in the early '90s (when I was familarized with her/started becoming a fan) and working forward, but it's probably the other way around for some people.

Reason being, if you recall her musical period at all, I think you've got at least a tiny shred of '80s experience (even if Forever Your Girl was the only album that was really "Eighties"). Same for other pop music from that era like MC Hammer, early Janet Jackson, power ballads or Steve Winwood.



Yeah, I never listened to her music or anything when I was growing up, but when she became a judge on American Idol I had already heard of her before that. I guess that those of us born even into the late '80s would've still been old enough to be aware of her music in the waning days of her popularity. I suppose that someone born after 1991 or so may have not known who she was until she started hosting Idol.

Well, let me throw in a bit of what I know about Paula from when I knew her.

You have to relaize, this was around 1981-1982.  She was not only the Head Cheerleader, she was also Sr. Class President.  When you look at High School, this pretty much makes her BWOC.

Yet, I had no idea she was either of these.  I knew she was a cheerleader, since on certain days she would wear the uniform.  But I actually did not know for many years later that she was Head Cheerleader.  And she certainly did not act any different then any of the other cheerleaders or band members that hung out with us outside the JROTC building.

In fact, I don't think I even ever knew that she was Sr. Class President.  I think that was probably something I learned much later.  I know that I talked to her many times, but I honestly can't remember any particular incident.  And if she had done something like throw around her Student Council or Head Cheerleader position around, I would remembered her (as in "what a jerk!".

However, in the years since then I have had dealings with the famous and near famous (as well as have friends that have had more dealings then I have).  And as has been stated in here by others, people in high-pressure and high-stress jobs often rely on others to help reduce those stresses such as paying for parking and getting them bottled water.  I sure wish I had somebody to do such things for me!

Okay Marty- I found something more annoying than Paula Abdul's antics on Hey Paula.... Corey Haim crying about not being approached to make a cameo in the Lost Boys II. 

Okay Marty- I found something more annoying than Paula Abdul's antics on Hey Paula.... Corey Haim crying about not being approached to make a cameo in the Lost Boys II. 

;D

I haven't heard about that, so I can't totally judge either way. I admit on the surface, that does sound weird, but...just like I've said about Paula...on Corey Haim's behalf, we don't know how it really went on. I think editing makes a huge difference with things like that.

P.S. Changing the subject, but I find it bizarre (in a good old-school way) that the two Coreys have actually somewhat gotten back together recently. I bet nobody could've predicted that a couple years ago, lol.

;D

I haven't heard about that, so I can't totally judge either way. I admit on the surface, that does sound weird, but...just like I've said about Paula...on Corey Haim's behalf, we don't know how it really went on. I think editing makes a huge difference with things like that.

P.S. Changing the subject, but I find it bizarre (in a good old-school way) that the two Coreys have actually somewhat gotten back together recently. I bet nobody could've predicted that a couple years ago, lol.


Yeah the incident I am talking about occurred on the new reality series the Two Coreys.  Haim comes to stay with Feldman and Feldman's wife.  And are trying to restart their career.  Guess they saw the reality craze as a good start  :-\\ Its not very good they model it after the Odd Couple.  Feldman and wife are neat, eco friendly vegetarians who promote Peta.  Haim is a "loud mouth" slob who spends most of his time saying things simply to annoy Feldmans wife (apparently this is how he gets his kicks)  There is little going on and almost every conflict feels staged. Personally the only reason I watch is so I can informatively rag on it!  ;D   

She now looks af if she takes too much botox  :P

She was pretty, a great dancer (mediocre singer)  back in her day though...

She now looks af if she takes too much botox  :P

She was pretty, a great dancer (mediocre singer)  back in her day though...


Well...I've got to disagree on most of that. ;)

Like I said in the first post, while her music is definitely tied to the 1989-1991/'92 period, it seemed to be popular enough to sustain a fanbase beyond then. There's lots of artists who sound "of their time", while also transcending it and influencing what comes afterwards. Just for the Eighties, I'd include Madonna, The Police, Michael Jackson, most new wave, Born in the USA-era Bruce Springsteen and Prince into that category as well.

Yeah, she might've not had the most versatile singing voice, but it was a good match for that kind of dance-pop and ballads. Plus, she has more of a dancing/performing background (choreographing other videos and dance routines from movies in the mid-late '80s) as opposed to singing.

Honestly, the only noticeable change in her appearance is that she doesn't have that big '80ish frizzy hairstyle anymore (which nearly everyone wore back then, lol). Other than that, I don't think she looks much different than in the "Straight Up" era. Maybe 5-7 years older at most, but she certainly doesn't look or seem 45.

Not everyone can still look young.  Paula has gotten older, but I think she still looks great, and though her star may not be as big as it once was, she hasn't done anything drastic to get back in the spotlight. 

Take Debbie Gibson and Tiffany for example.  Their stars faded big time as the 90s rolled in, so they ended up posing for Playboy to get back into the spotlight. 

Paula never did that, though in someway I wish she would.  I'm sure the world would like to see what Emilio Estevez got to see ;D

Deb never faded and she posed because she felt more confident about herself. If she's a hasbeen, wouldn't Christina Applegate & Matthew Broderick to since they've mostly done theatre? I think not.

Here's her bio


Want a real hasbeen, look at Britney Spears.

^no body's a has been until people stop talking about them.....and everbody's talking about B.S.

anyway, i am a big paula fan too. while i agree that she probably wasn't forgotten about after (probably about) '92, i don't think anybody was really paying attention to her either.

^no body's a has been until people stop talking about them.....and everbody's talking about B.S.

anyway, i am a big paula fan too. while i agree that she probably wasn't forgotten about after (probably about) '92, i don't think anybody was really paying attention to her either.


Yeah I'd say you're right, on both points.

Actually in terms of this thread, I probably should've said I meant popularity more in the sense of people continuing to like her music. Despite not being in the spotlight herself, it seems to be she was in the "recent pop cultural memory" in the late '90s. Whenever there was a program about videos or artists on VH1 or MTV, they still talked about her music like it wasn't that long ago. From some years earlier and enough to be semi-classic, but still ultimately very recent.

I mean Spellbound was only 6-7 years ago in 1998! ;)

Would anyone agree...it seems like when people have a career change, that tends to push their previous stuff out of the public consciousness and further into the past than it would've seemed? If they get a new image, I guess people have to remind themselves about their former life. You can detect this difference if you compare her with Janet Jackson. They were kinda contemporaries (in era, age, and musical style), yet Janet is still viewed as somewhat newish. Her music is generally more remembered, even if she hasn't had a popular hit since the late '90s and hasn't been huge since c. 1991. The only explanation I can come up with for this is because that's been her claim to fame all along, so there's nothing else to compare it to. That's how it was for Paula in the pre-2002 time.

I guess American Idol is both a blessing and a curse in that regard. New fans and more recongnition again, but also makes her original career seem more secondary. It does make me a little uneasy when people talk about her 1989-1992 era like it's "old" (especially because she seemed so young to me then, lol...and still does really), but I guess it really is all about perception.

Yeah I'd say you're right, on both points.

Actually in terms of this thread, I probably should've said I meant popularity more in the sense of people continuing to like her music. Despite not being in the spotlight herself, it seems to be she was in the "recent pop cultural memory" in the late '90s. Whenever there was a program about videos or artists on VH1 or MTV, they still talked about her music like it wasn't that long ago. From some years earlier and enough to be semi-classic, but still ultimately very recent.

I mean Spellbound was only 6-7 years ago in 1998! ;)

Would anyone agree...it seems like when people have a career change, that tends to push their previous stuff out of the public consciousness and further into the past than it would've seemed? If they get a new image in the public eye, I guess people have to remind themselves about their former life. There's some differences if you compare her with Janet Jackson. They were kinda contemporaries (in era, age, and musical style), yet Janet is still today viewed as somewhat newish. Her music is generally more remembered by people, even if she hasn't had a popular hit since the late '90s and hasn't been huge since c. 1991. The only explanation I can come up with for this is because that's been her basic claim to fame all along, so there's nothing else to compare it to. That's how it seemed to be for Paula in the pre-2002 time.

I guess American Idol is both a blessing and a curse in that regard. New fans and more recongnition again, but also makes her original career peak seem "older" than it really is. It does make me a little uneasy when people talk about her 1989-1992 era like it's so much "older" (especially because she seemed so young to me then, lol...and still does really), but I guess it's all about perception.


I still listen to some of her music.  The songs on Forever your girl are a little dated now but I still like them. My favorite Paula songs are Rush Rush and Blowin' Kisses in the Wind.  The Vibeology song was cool but also dated/trendy

Remember when season one idols did a musical tribute to Paula? That was horrendous.

Janet has had 4 hits so far in the 2000's; 'someone to call my lover', 'all for your", "doesn't really matter", and "call on me". she has also had a #1 dance hit with "so excited"....also, her popularity actually probably peaked in '93-'94 (or she was atleast as popular as she was in '91). she released her best selling album during that time....

but i see what you're saying. it's kind of like how marky wahlberhs day's as marky mark have been pushed into the backround.

^Yeah, people talk about Marky Mark like it's a joke now (I kinda feel bad for him, although I bet he enjoys being a serious actor quite a bit more, lol). ;) Janet's last universally-known type of hit seemed to be "Back Together Again" from 1998, although she's had some minor ones since. I find it very old-school comforting that she's still around/semi successful today.

All For You was a very very big song, number 1 for several weeks big.

'all for you' and 'doesn't really matter' both hit #1, and 'someone to call my lover' reached #3  ???.....

'all for you' and 'doesn't really matter' both hit #1, and 'someone to call my lover' reached #3   ???.....


Yeah I remember all of them, everybody I knew was into that album at the time along with Shaggy, Destiny's Child, J. Lo, etc....

Well...I've got to disagree on most of that. ;)


Honestly, the only noticeable change in her appearance is that she doesn't have that big '80ish frizzy hairstyle anymore (which nearly everyone wore back then, lol). Other than that, I don't think she looks much different than in the "Straight Up" era. Maybe 5-7 years older at most, but she certainly doesn't look or seem 45.
Yeah Paula doesn't look 45 she looks about 36-37 to me not 45.

Deb never faded and she posed because she felt more confident about herself. If she's a hasbeen, wouldn't Christina Applegate & Matthew Broderick to since they've mostly done theatre? I think not.

Here's her bio


Want a real hasbeen, look at Britney Spears.




lol no comment....

Another thought just occured to me. I think people sometimes skew things a certain way, even unintentionally, because it's the way we want it to be. As fans, it's normal to want to preserve the past of people we like. It could be from personal experiences we've had too. Like since I stayed with '80s and early '90s culture ever since then, it probably makes that time seem newer and more ingrained in me than it might to the next person.

I'm sure Debbie Gibson herself would tell you her mainstream career was on the skids after 1989. She may have still had material afterwards, but there's a difference between being active and being commercially successful, which she hasn't been since. People just fall out of favor sometimes, it doesn't mean the person isn't talented, it just could've been bad promotion or public tastes changing. For the record, I'm not getting on woops' case here. I think he just wants to feel like someone he likes is still popular, which I can understand. Yes, I get uneasy at the thought of the early '90s becoming older. I'm a little resistant to change and comfortable in the past myself, so I tend to emphasize the similarities rather than the differences in an era, to make it seem "closer". ;)

To relate it to this thread - I clearly remember when Paula was very much in the public conciousness, including all over MTV and VH1 when I watched them around 1991. I'm serious when I say quite a few people liked her music later in the decade, or that she still looks/seems pretty youngish and not too different from when she was around 28. On the same token, though, I can't deny American Idol has been her biggest claim to fame since 2002 or '03. At that point, it probably did push her musical era from being viewed as "just awhile ago" to "another era" faster. That does kinda sadden me for the comfort factor and familiarity I had up to that point...but hey, it's life.


P.S. On one episode of her reality show, she made a comment to the effect of, "The last time I had a big hit, Bill and Hilary were still having sex." ;D I'm sure she's proud of her accomplishments, but doesn't take herself too seriously either, which is cool. Point being, if she had superstar status for about 4 years and can joke around about it, I imagine many other celebrities do too.