Paula Abdul on the set of

Paula Abdul had a fantastic career before finding her seat at the American Idol judge’s table in 2002. She was a Laker Girl, an in-demand choreographer, and a multi-platinum recording artist. However, working on a reality competition series wasn’t on her radar. Her career was in flux when two psychics predicted she would experience a life-changing role on a new television series three years before Idol happened.

Paula Abdul on the set of 'American Idol' in 2002.
Paula Abdul on the set of ‘American Idol’ in 2002 | Kevin Winter/ImageDirect/FOX

There was nothing like ‘American Idol’ when it made its Fox debut 21 years ago

American Idol was the first singing competition series on television when it premiered on Fox in the summer of June 2002. The contestants sang well-known tunes, corresponding to a set theme that varied weekly, and celebrity guests routinely made appearances on the show.