Paula Abdul - A Tribute to Her Biggest 'American Idol' Era Fashion Disasters

by Erin Donnelly (Subscribe to Erin Donnelly's posts)
Posted Aug 7th 2009 at 1:45PM

It's official: Paula Abdul is leaving "American Idol." (Sob.)

It's hard to believe that we'll never again scratch our heads over a rambling critique, see her sway to a second-rate love ballad, or groan as she pulls Simon Cowell in for another awkward embrace as he rolls his eyes to the heavens.

But most of all, we'll miss her Technicolor parade of usually sparkly, sometimes ruffled and almost always questionable outfits.

Sure, Victoria Beckham's upcoming stint as a guest judge should up the show's fashion's quotient, but it when it comes to fashion train wrecks, Paula's forever our girl.

Here, we pay tribute to the best of the worst.

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Paula Abdul - The Idol Years

Check out Paula's tragic fashion....

Kevin Winter, Getty Images

Phil Walter, Getty Images

Paula Abdul - The Idol Years

Paula set the bar high for tragic fashion with this hot pink satin zoot suit from Season 1's semi-finals. Somewhere, a Barbie Dreamhouse is missing its bedspread.

Kevin Winter, Getty Images

Forget Justin Guarini. The real loser of Season 1's finale was this peekaboo lacy frock, which resembled a giant doily thrown over a swimsuit.

Steve Granitz, WireImage

We can overlook the fact that Paula wore a boob-flashing corset to a children's awards show, but we can't abide by her Snow White-esque frock at the 2005 Nickelodeon "Kids' Choice Awards". We bet you can guess which one is Grumpy.

Mike Lee, Landov

We don't know what's a bigger tragedy: Paula's outfit or the fact that Ryan Seacrest has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The pint-sized judge opted for a sheer blouse, a bare midriff and a garish print to honor her co-star in 2005.

Bauer-Griffin

Why, Miss Paula, we do declare -- that gown is hideous! Abdul's ruffly skirt for the Season 5 finale made her look as though she was being swallowed whole by Hefty bags.

Steve Granitz, WireImage

How do you distract people from your ultra-high-waist Urkel pants? Wear a blouse so gaudy it would make the cast of "Dancing with the Stars" wince. Another flat note from Paula at an "AI" party in 2007.

Bauer-Griffin

What better way to dress for Disney World (to launch the "American Idol" Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios earlier this year) than by looking like a cartoon? This wacky blue and red frock was tutu much.

Matt Stroshane, Getty Images

So, that's what happened to MC Scat Kat. Paula took fashion two steps back with this Barbie-meets-Cruella-De Vil getup at a party for Season 8's Top 12 finalists.

Kevin Winter, Getty Images

Paula clearly still hasn't kicked her tutu habit, showing off her "Tiny Dancer" style in a frilly black and white frock for a Season 8 show. Simon hasn't been this appalled since Taylor Hicks won.

Frank Micelotta, American Idol 2009/Getty Images for Fox

This green satin frock -- note the giant rosette and Peter Pan shoes -- worn for Season 8's Top 2 show makes Paula look like a walking lilypad. Kermit was right: It's not easy being green. And note how the front slit may have ripped and been re-sewn ... with black yarn!

Frank Micelotta, Getty Images for Fox

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