For those of us who had Forever Your Girl posters, who memorized the rap interlude in “Cold Hearted,” who wore our hair in half-up high ponytails … Paula Abdul’s arrival in Las Vegas was going to be gold no matter what. But no one could have dreamed the pop force would do a Wonder Woman dive off a platform in a jewel-encrusted bodysuit.
That stunning moment is one of many in Abdul’s residency, which opened at Flamingo in October. The 57-year-old still attacks the dancefloor, weaving her hits with personal stories and comedy bits featuring cartoon sidekick Skat Kat (from 1989’s famed “Opposites Attract” video).
You’ll hear about recording songs in her producer’s shower, and being the lovable judge on American Idol. After three decades in the spotlight, she wants fans to feel even closer.
Favorite tracks like “Vibeology” and “Straight Up” are performed in the most Paula way, with Abdul leading a pack of dancers. She was known for her choreography before taking over the charts, and the visual honors that monster talent.
It’s hard to imagine her struggling, but the show is built around Abdul’s fight for every stage of her stardom—from leading the Laker Girls to choreographing industry-pushing dance for the likes of Janet Jackson and George Michael, to becoming a recording artist who remains in the top 10 among Billboard’s All Time Top 200 Albums by Women. She also delves into what it took to recover from severe trauma to her spine, both physically and emotionally. As much as this production is a victory lap for Abdul, it reveals how deep she dug to earn it.
On opening night she reportedly said: “… even though I was never the obvious choice, that didn’t stop me from manifesting my dreams.” Watching the Grammy winner work for a mere 60 seconds, it seems pretty obvious.
Flamingo, 8 p.m. Dec. 31, Jan 1 & 3-4, starting at $69 plus tax and fee. 702.777.2782
