By Mikayla McAdoo
Recently, I visited Rogers, Arkansas, to see one of my favorite humans on the planet, Grammy Award-winning Paula Abdul. My wonderful Mom and I had such a fun time, and the Arkansas scenery was beautiful!
Paula and DJ Jazzy Jeff opened for New Kids On The Block's Magic Summer Tour. Her choreography was top-notch as always, and she was in terrific form.
This year's winner of "So You Think You Can Dance," Anthony Curley, along with several other exceptionally talented dancers, performed with her.
Past Concert Adventures
This was my third time seeing Paula open for New Kids, and it was the most incredible show I’ve ever experienced. The first time I saw Paula live was in 2017 when I flew to Los Angeles to see her along with Boyz II Men and NKOTB.
Later that month I saw them in St. Louis, Missouri. Each time, I stayed for Paula's performance and then left, as I have no desire to see NKOTB despite enjoying their music. My loyalty is to Paula and always has been.
How Paula Abdul Changed My Life
When I was young, I developed a stuttering problem and experienced some loneliness due to being an only child.
At ten years old, my parents turned on "American Idol," which was in its fourth season at the time. After watching several episodes, I took a major liking to the super sweet brunette judge on the panel.
Her smile captured my attention, but her personality instantly captured my heart. She was and is the epitome of everything I ever wanted to become—her heart, work ethic, energy, integrity, and genuine persona were everything I aspired to be.
Through the embarrassment, bullying, and trauma of being a child with a stutter, it was Paula’s music, videos, talk shows, and her presence on "American Idol" that brought me many hours of comfort and escape.
I struggled to communicate with others due to my stutter, but I was motivated and inspired by the way she communicated flawlessly through speech, music, dance, and choreography.
My Life Today
By the grace of God, as I grew into adulthood, I overcame my stuttering problem. I now carry on conversations without any issues.
If someone had told me at a young age that I would grow up to speak and perform professionally in front of hundreds of audiences, I wouldn’t have believed them.
The Takeaway
Whenever life has gotten tough, Paula and her music have helped me through my hardest times. I am who I am today because of her influence in my life, and I hope that someday I can impact someone else’s life in the way Paula has impacted mine.
Through the Paula fandom, affectionately known as "The #PAmily," I have made some amazing friends. Shoutout to my girl Amy in Los Angeles—you were my first Paula fan friend and still my favorite.
