Paula Abdul Returns to Judge's Seat on "Live to Dance"

Paula Abdul entertained television viewers as the quirky judge on "American Idol" for 8 seasons. After taking a year's hiatus, Abdul returns to reality TV on Tuesday, January 4th, as executive producer, creative partner and lead expert on "Live to Dance." In a format patterned after the UK's "Got to Dance," amateur hopefuls from across America compete for the ultimate prize of $500,000. Following its premiere, the show airs in its regular spot on Wednesdays-in direct competition with the Fox channel's "American Idol."

Abdul's Background

48 year old Abdul, a dancer, choreographer and multi-platinum recording artist, got her big break when she won a coveted spot as a cheerleader for the L.A. Lakers. She soon began choreographing their routines. The Jackson family saw her at a Lakers' game and hired her to choreograph. Paula's career went on the fast track with the release of her multi-platinum debut album, "Forever Your Girl," in 1988. The album spawned such hits as "Straight Up." Viewers will no doubt be waiting to see if some of Paula's notoriously loopy antics will make their way into this new reality dance program.

Judges and Host

Joining Abdul in the critics' corner is Kimberly Wyatt, former member of The Pussycat Dolls, and Travis Payne, choreographer for Michael Jackson's "This Is It" concert. Wyatt also served as a judge on the UK's "Got to Dance." Acting as emcee for the program is Andrew Gunsberg, co-host of "Australian Idol." Abdul says the object of the panel will not be simply to judge and criticize, but rather to use their collective expertise to inspire the dancers as they push themselves to new limits.

Any Act, Any Age, Any Style

Although the show will no doubt rival Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance," the format of "Live to Dance" is less strict than other reality performance shows. All acts are welcome, both solo and group. You might see dancers who are 4 years old-or 84 years old. Dancers will perform in their own styles, rather than be forced into unfamiliar territory. Expect to see everything from ballroom dancing to hip-hop to original stylings.

"Live to Dance" Format

Auditions began in October with open calls in New York and Los Angeles, where special dance domes were constructed. The lucky ones received a call-back and subsequently performed for the panel of judges. The majority of the cast will be made known at the end of Tuesday's premiere. A few lucky dancers-those the judges felt were worth a second look-return on Wednesday, hoping to round out the cast of 18 dancers. The semi-finals consist of 6 dance acts in one night. Two of them advance to the finals. After three total rounds, the top 6 finalists compete in the finale for $500,000.

Sources:
Julie Chen Interviews Paula Abdul; CBS TV, "Sunday Morning"; 1-2-2011
CBS: About Live to Dance