Paula Abdul Reflects on Choreographing Janet Jackson’s Iconic 1986 Album Control

Looking Back at a Pop Culture Milestone

Pop superstar and legendary choreographer Paula Abdul is opening up about one of the defining moments of her early career. Reflecting on a creative partnership that helped shape modern pop music, Abdul recently shared memories of choreographing four major tracks for Janet Jackson’s groundbreaking 1986 studio album, Control.

Speaking exclusively about the milestone, Abdul expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity that catapulted her into the upper echelon of the entertainment industry. Her innovative, sharp choreography for hits like ‘What Have You Done for Me Lately’ and ‘Nasty’ established a fresh visual standard for music videos in the mid-1980s.

A Partnership That Redefined MTV Era Dance

Before launching her own multi-platinum recording career with hits like ‘Straight Up,’ Abdul was a trailblazing Laker Girl who caught the eye of industry producers and artists. Her work on Control not only cemented Jackson’s transition into an independent global icon but also proved that dance could serve as a primary storytelling vehicle in pop music.

Abdul noted that she will ‘always be grateful’ to Jackson and the creative team for trusting her vision at such a pivotal stage. The synergy between Jackson’s dynamic vocal delivery and Abdul’s precision choreography remains a masterclass in pop music history, influencing generations of subsequent performers.

Key Takeaways

• Paula Abdul choreographed four signature songs for Janet Jackson’s 1986 masterpiece, Control.
• The collaboration helped launch Abdul’s legendary career as both a top-tier choreographer and pop artist.
• Their creative partnership set a new standard for music videos and dance culture during the peak MTV era.