Seen on the screen

Paula Abdul

SERIES: 'American Idol,' 8 p.m., Fox.

THE LATEST: The Bravo cable network has ordered an unscripted program tentatively titled "Hey Paula!" with plans to have it on the air later this year. Abdul says, "It's a hectic time in my life right now with several projects in television, film and fashion. I'm excited to open the doors to Bravo and have all my fans see the other sides to me, beyond what they see on 'American Idol.' "

DID YOU KNOW? In addition to this planned series and her sixth season on "Idol," Abdul recently committed to produce, choreograph, design and co-star in a live-action "Bratz" feature. She also has built a cottage industry around her jewelry collection, which launched last spring on QVC. As a choreographer, Abdul earned an Emmy in 1989 for her contributions to "The Tracey Ullman Show." Her favorite memory is dancing beside idol Gene Kelly in a Diet Coke commercial. She has sold more than 30 million records, including two No. 1 albums and six No. 1 singles.

LIFE OFF-SCREEN: Abdul, 44, was born in San Fernando, Calif., attended Van Nuys High School and started college at Cal State-Northridge as a TV-radio major. She dropped out of college after joining the Los Angeles Lakers cheerleaders and becoming head cheerleader/choreographer. Abdul was married to actor Emilio Estevez for two years; a later marriage to Brad Beckerman lasted a year.

FIND HER ON DVD IN: Music collections including "Get Up and Dance" and "Video Hits" as well as "American Idol -- The Search for a Superstar" and best and worst collections of the "Idol" series.

From: Zap2it.Com, Www.Foxflash.Com, Imdb.Com, Amazon.Com