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Snap Judgment: Paula Abdul's 'Dance' video

Feb 21, 2008, 01:56 PM | by Simon Vozick-Levinson

Categories: American Idol, Music, Snap Judgment, Television

Paula Abdul seems pretty committed to this whole "convincing people she still has a career as a musical artist" thing — to the point where she's gone out and shot an all-star video for her big comeback single, "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow," which will appear on the upcoming Randy Jackson's Music Club album, out March 11. Brace yourselves:

Dunno about you, but this is way better than I expected; totally good enough to get Paula through Hollywood Week. I mean, the lady's still got some pretty decent moves, and her camera presence is off the charts compared to her usual space-cadet act. Put it this way: This video is much, much less horrific than Janet Jackson's "Feedback" clip — and for that alone, I am very thankful. Plus, it's worth watching for Randy Jackson's wide range of "check out this sick bass lick, dawgs!" poses alone. Though Randy's virtuoso strutting does raise the troubling question of whether the four figures standing stock-still in the clip's final shot are, in fact, the Idol judges/host or their Madame Tussaud’s waxwork simulacra.... While I puzzle that one out, anyone else unexpectedly not hating this video?

coolio Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 07:08 PM EST

I think that the vocals were cheesey, the moves were ok, and it generally wasn't great. But, as someone said, it is a great song for nightclubs and dancing. Altogether,it wasn't THAT bad.

coolio Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 07:08 PM EST

I think that the vocals were cheesey, the moves were ok, and it generally wasn't great. But, as someone said, it is a great song for nightclubs and dancing. Altogether,it wasn't THAT bad.

Stephanie T. Sat, Feb 23, 2008 at 10:33 AM EST

Paulas signature moves are her short two step to the side and her extending arms. This is why it looks like her "Cold Hearted" video and Janet Jackson's "Nasty" video in which Paula plays one of her friends.

me Sat, Feb 23, 2008 at 10:21 AM EST


Forgettable. But not horrible.

CK Sat, Feb 23, 2008 at 09:19 AM EST

The whole thing is rediculous! Other than looking pretty, which hell, give any of us Millions of Dollars, pampering and wardrobe and take 100s of still shots and spend hours on end with little video clips edit them together and studio-up our vocals and you can have Millions of videos just like this one. PLEEEEEZZZ!

milliemay Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 07:11 PM EST

I think this is the kind of song that when U go out to a nightclub & the DJ plays it, people will be elbow to elbow on the dance floor. I Like It! & I like the video also. Even Simon likes the song. He said so on 2 talk shows & he even appeared in the video at the end. & If AI would of not liked it, I don't think they would of aired it on their show.

peter w Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 06:21 PM EST

that music video was as un-listenable as it was unwatchable. the only saving grace is we didnt have to hear her speak her imbicilic, moronic idol comments

Kam-Star Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 04:17 PM EST

OMG! Am I the only one that sat there staring at my TV screen wondering when the horror would stop?
Paula just took her Cold Hearted Snake song, added different lyrics mixed it a little and gave it a new name..... The video was exactly like Cold Hearted Snake but in a warehouse instead of a dance hall....
She preaches about reinventing stuff but she failed. I am a big fan of Paula's but I just died on the inside from that.

kt Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 03:59 PM EST

she always was a wonderful performer/dancer!

I love the video and it's a very catchy song...sure it's not great vocals, but Paula was always a dancer first, then a singer... it's very her. Way to go Paula!

Eagle Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 03:36 PM EST

Paula needs to go back to her cheerlaeding duities on Idol, She is way out of leauge plus the vocals were so KAROKE!!!
Hey Paul stop wearing low cut clothes on guy night! Guy night low cut showing cleaveage girl night all prim and proper what gives????

CHERYL Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 02:59 PM EST

2-22-08 I LOVE THE SONG, AND THINK PAULA DID A GREAT JOB WITH IT AND DANCING TOO. LOVED SEEING THE 4 OF THEM TOGETHER TOO...THIS IS GREAT...

CHERYL Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 02:57 PM EST

I LOVE THE SONG, LOVE THE VIDEO...GLAD PAULA IS BACK, SHE DID A GREAT JOB ON ALL OF THIS...WAY TO GO... LOVE SEEING THE 4 OF THEM TOGETHER TOO.......LOVE IT

CHERYL Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 02:57 PM EST

I LOVE THE SONG, LOVE THE VIDEO...GLAD PAULA IS BACK, SHE DID A GREAT JOB ON ALL OF THIS...WAY TO GO... LOVE SEEING THE 4 OF THEM TOGETHER TOO.......LOVE IT

Ruth Simmons Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 02:41 PM EST

Paula, my 12 yr.old, & my 10yr. old daughters saw your & Randy's video on AI last eve., & simply loved it! They asked me your age & I was proud to tell them, since I AM 50 yrs. old. So happy for you girl!!! BRAVO!!!

JoJo Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 02:22 PM EST

I really enjoyed the song and video. I love Paula's choreography. Reminds me of her "cold-hearted snake" video. She is still a great dancer and singer.

PS Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 02:21 PM EST

No wonder I kept thinking Janet Jackson... Paula gave all her moves away to her.

Eve Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 01:47 PM EST

I loved the song,,,love the video and I thought she looked as beautiful as she ever did. I think this will be a hit for her and rAndy..

Stephanie T. Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 12:37 PM EST

Why is it neccessary to take pop vocals that are so-so (Paula, Britney) and use synthesizers to enhance thier lack of vocal ability? The song was an insult to Synthpop. Paula, stick to choreography please.

odlady Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 12:27 PM EST

The song just wasn't relevant. And it started out good but got a little pitchy in the middle. I can't decide if it was karaoke or cruise ship or lounge singer quality. Ask Simon!

Old Timer Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 12:24 PM EST

I liked it!!!!!!!! Paula is a beautiful woman.

Betty Dannelly Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 12:08 PM EST

I saw her do her song on the pre-Super Bowl intertainment & enjoyed it. I did not like her video last night, so as long as I can hear her song & not look at the video, the better

Tim Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 11:59 AM EST

The 'song' is unlistenable. Sounds very old and dated. It's as irrelevant as her hits from 20 years ago.

minime Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 11:26 AM EST

I liked it. It's one of those songs that you hear a couple of times and you can't get it out of your head. Paula did a great job. No matter your age or physical limitations, don't we all, in our minds, think like we're still 25 and can "dance likes there's no tomorrow"?

Parksper Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 11:13 AM EST

I thought It was great! And if I were straight, Paula would be my wife! She has always rocked and will always rock! Great Moves and great music and Great Comeback.

Donna Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 11:12 AM EST

The song was kinda boring, only about 4 or 5 note range... but then, Paula was never about the singing.

Question? Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 11:10 AM EST

This got me thinking about how these 'older' artists make comebacks, and the wave of concerts by bands getting back together (ie: basically every band from the 70's and on). Then I remembered Grace Slick saying no way cause she didn't want to look ridiculous, ie, her age. So when do older artists look ridiculous? It has to do with the look. Tony Bennett still croons, Rolling Stones etc. But at what point are fans going to cringe when they see Mick gavotting on stage in his tights, or Cher sporting a thong. And if Paula ain't dancin', what's the point of a video?

JC Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 11:08 AM EST

I have to say I totally disagree. Feedback is probably the best pop video out there right now and Paula's video looks like it comes straight from the eighties. the song too actually.

Doris Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 10:57 AM EST

I thougth it was really good, go Paula & Randy!!

barbara Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 10:46 AM EST

Quiz - Did you know that Paula was the one that taught Janet Jackson how to dance when Janet first came out. The Choreography was Paula's.

Val Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 10:43 AM EST

I enjoyed the dance moves, should of had more of Randy as he was smokin hot! They can sell it!

weezfreek Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 10:01 AM EST

Yeah, I was expecting to vomit upon seeing the video during AI last night; but aside from the overly processed voice, I found it to be pretty good. I thought the choreography was great (though Paula didn't pull it off as well as her much younger back up dancers).

Kinda glad Paula didn't embarass herself further (as she does every time she opens her mouth on AI).

=w=

hey p Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 09:56 AM EST

The thing about Randy Jackson is that he actually IS a cool musician. Anyone who played bass for Journey and Eddie Money is ok in my books. The dawg does his craft well.

MyOpinion Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 09:51 AM EST

Obviously she can't move like she used to. She's pushing 50 (she's 46) but she can still choreograph. She's won awards for that. Her singing was never anything to get up and scream about but hey, I don't have a problem with this tune.

p Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 09:47 AM EST

I'll be honest, I enjoyed it. I also enjoyed at laughing at Randy trying to act like a cool musician. riiiiight

jones Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 09:38 AM EST

I was expecting it to be much worse, especially b/c I read she was upset about it. The song is kinda catchy and Paula looks great for her age.

david mitchell Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 09:26 AM EST

its good; that will show the wouldbe, wanttobes how its done.

david mitchell Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 09:26 AM EST

its good; that will show the wouldbe, wanttobes how its done.

Mozz Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 09:20 AM EST

Somebody hit the lights. I don't want to be seen as I log onto Itunes and get this song.

orville Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 08:36 AM EST

Saw it on AI last night and while the song is catchy and she looked *fantastic*, the video had a surprising lack of dancing for a song titled "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow." I really liked her the first time around (I was in college), but where's the *real* dancing like we know she's capable of? She's not *that* old.

Ep sato Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 07:31 AM EST

I really dig this video, but wasn't so into the song. Paula's still got the moves and the sex appeal (funny, she seems stoned on live tv, but a livewire when performing), but the lyrics to the track and the general early 90s vibe of the song didn't seem appropo for the times. Though the electronic thing they did with her voice is kind of cool.

Does Peter Frampton get royalties for all these singers who've stolen his bit?

MJS Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 06:48 AM EST

I understand that everybody is a critic, but really, does any of it matter. I was never a real fan of Paula, even when she was in her prime, but give the girl a break, after all we all pay good money to watch mediocre actors and actresses, in mediocre movies and sometimes these less than average performers win awards, and does our complaining do any good. Let it go, give her credit for still wanting to do what she loves and still at least being able able to do it as equally well as she did when she was 20 years younger.

nate Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 02:35 AM EST

Yeah, I saw it, heard it tonight on AI. And Paula looked GOOD, she still has it with the dance moves too. The song was catchy. It felt like the early 90s again. GO PAULA!

kATHLEEN Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 01:54 AM EST

yEA YOUR RIGHT THEY BOTH WERE PRETTY BAD.

Beth Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 01:18 AM EST

I saw it tonight, and noticed Randy in there too. All trying to prove something? I know Paula was a kicking dancer, but she is posing during most of the video! Still, it was nice, and Paula is still a very pretty lady with a smile I'd like to have! Do what you want to do Paula - you've earned it.

Simon Cowell Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 12:34 AM EST

Well, to be perfectly candid, Paula's performance was, how shall we put it, a bit lacking. But considering that she's in her mid 70's I suppose we should feel thankful she didn't simply irreversibly injure herself. But the highlight of the video: who's that sprightly fellow in the end ? COuld it be yours truly? Well, of course it is !

Snsetblaze Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 12:18 AM EST

You know, I was enjoying the dancing so much in the video that I never noticed Randy Jackson was in it until the pose with Ryan, Simon and Paul at the end (which did not make sense). When I read the comment, my first thought was "Randy was in it?"

allen Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 10:21 PM EST

I enjoyed this video a great deal. The conceptual dancing was spot on. It was a very interesting modern dance piece that fit with the music, song. It's ironic that others dance and sing and have interesting choreography, yet it doesn't mesh with the song. For someone her age, I thought the dancing was very good...i had minor visions of Cold Hearted Snake...

Corran Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 09:51 PM EST

Im gonna put myself out there. This is the best song of 2008 I've heard so far. Its really g00d.

Amy Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 07:20 PM EST

Weird, I did expect to hate it and in fact, did not. A little shocking. Go Paula go!

Thad Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 07:03 PM EST

Love it! No complaints. I had a flashback but where was Arsenio?

Derek Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 06:32 PM EST

I love the song and the video. Especially the ending with the slow motion would have been perfect if it hadn't been for the 4 American Idol pose - made me laugh a little.

Quiz Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 06:28 PM EST

people are hateing on janet way to much. Neither one of them are the best. Paula voice sucks and she useing old dance moves that janet used in her videos. yea jantes video might be to different but it's still something that you can relate to her past videos. and i do think paula gets props for doing this at her age.

tc Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 06:15 PM EST

Hey, this music video is actually pretty GOOD! Did Paula do the dance choreography on this? It's very nicely done. I like the song, it's got a good beat. Her voice doesn't sound much different than from the 80s. It's not bad at all!

JenJen Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 05:52 PM EST

Her dancing is better than Britney's in her "Piece of Me" video...which is saying something since Paula is like 20 years older and has back problems!

moi Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 05:47 PM EST

She can still move. I was searching for Simon throughout the video, and alas, there he was at the very end. Any bets we'll see Paula perform this number during the finale? That would be cool....I think.

lisa Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 04:52 PM EST

i thought it was pretty good, i like the song, good beat. i know i think ill always like paula no matter what

lisa Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 04:52 PM EST

i thought it was pretty good, i like the song, good beat. i know i think ill always like paula no matter what

graeme Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 04:46 PM EST

So since it's better than Janet's "Feedback", that means it's good? Um no.

I love how you never really hear Paula's voice since there's so much digital technology covering her crappy voice.

And the final random shot of the Idol cast just solidified it's cheese factor.

Sally in Chicago Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 04:16 PM EST

Actually, I love the song and love the video, unlike Paula who according to Page 6 thinks the video is terrible. She's so hard to please. No wonder she has a hard time finding a man.

junior Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 04:15 PM EST

That was weird. It had parts of goodness (the end especially, not the very end mind you, if you make it that far) but I would have liked more dancers dancing and less Paula trying to move her banged up broken back around the dancefloor. But much better than Janet so good work, Paula!

TSD Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 02:55 PM EST

It wasn't bad. It was more than tolerable. It was a whole lot better than Heidi Montag's video. She can't sing, but her dancing is still spot on. Especially for someone her age.

confidential Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 02:40 PM EST

I'm tired of seeing Paula do things that just embarrass her. There the lucid antics on the show, then the train wreck reality show, and now this. Could she ever sing? Why can't she just sit on the American Idol millions and be satisfied?

Boo Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 02:19 PM EST

It's just weird that Paula would release this video the same week the AI judges would focus on relevance... because this song/video definitely isn't.

randyjack Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 02:14 PM EST

I don't know. I mean it's not pitchy, dawg. You know. She did her thing. But, you know, she didn't really make it her own. I mean, it's just aiiight for me, you know. You coulda had any pop tart "singing" that and doing those moves.

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