Paula Abdul has been in the public eye for decades, first as a hit-making singer and dancer, then as a famous TV judge. In 2025, public interest in her life focuses on two main points: the current state of her finances and the major legal case she recently settled. For years, Abdul worked as a choreographer for stars like Janet Jackson before launching her own successful music career and later judging on American Idol. Her net worth today is estimated to be $20 million. This financial picture comes as she closes a difficult chapter: a lawsuit against TV producer Nigel Lythgoe, which was settled in December 2024.
Breaking Down Paula Abdul’s $20 Million Net Worth
Paula Abdul’s wealth comes from a career that has successfully spanned multiple areas of entertainment over more than forty years. Her financial foundation was built in the late 1980s and early 1990s with her blockbuster music. Her debut album, ‘Forever Your Girl,’ sold millions of copies and spawned several number-one singles like “Straight Up” and “Opposites Attract”. Royalties from these record sales continue to contribute to her income.
Her role as a judge on American Idol from 2002 to 2009 provided another major source of earnings. Reports indicate her salary grew from about $1 million per season early on to between $5 million and $8 million in her final seasons. After leaving Idol, she continued to earn from television, including judging stints on So You Think You Can Dance and The X Factor, and from a Las Vegas residency that began in 2019. Additional income has come from choreography work for films and other artists, brand endorsements, and touring.
The Legal Battle with Nigel Lythgoe and Its Resolution
In December 2023, Paula Abdul filed a lawsuit against television producer Nigel Lythgoe, a figure she worked closely with on American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. In the legal documents, Abdul accused Lythgoe of sexual assault on two separate occasions.
The first alleged incident was said to have occurred during an early season of American Idol. Abdul claimed Lythgoe assaulted her in a hotel elevator after a day of filming auditions. The second accusation stemmed from a time when she was a judge on So You Think You Can Dance. Abdul alleged that during a work dinner at his home, Lythgoe made unwanted advances and groped her. She stated in her lawsuit that she did not report these incidents at the time for fear of professional retaliation.
Lythgoe strongly denied all allegations from the start. In a 2023 statement, he called the claims “an appalling smear” and referenced what he called Abdul’s “history of erratic behavior”. The case was moving toward a trial set for 2025. However, in December 2024, the two parties reached a settlement. A notice was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, and the specific terms, including any financial agreement, were kept confidential.
Following the settlement, Abdul released a statement saying, “I am grateful that this chapter has successfully come to a close and is now something I can now put behind me”. Lythgoe also said he was glad to put the issue behind him, adding, “I know the truth and that gives me great comfort”.
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Nigel Lythgoe’s Recent Public Denials
Despite the legal settlement, Nigel Lythgoe has continued to publicly declare his innocence. In late November 2025, he was approached by photographers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and questioned about the case.
When asked about rebuilding his legacy after the allegations, Lythgoe insisted he had nothing to rebuild. He stated that his name was only damaged by what he called false accusations and doubled down on his denial of any wrongdoing. This recent comment echoes the stance he maintained throughout the lawsuit. In his settlement statement, he had said, “We live in a troubling time where a person is now automatically assumed to be guilty until proven innocent”.
The Financial Impact of the Settlement
A key question is whether the confidential settlement with Lythgoe had any effect on Abdul’s reported $20 million net worth. Available reports indicate the settlement did not cause a major public change in her financial status. The details of the agreement were not disclosed, and there is no public information suggesting a large financial payment was part of the deal.
It is important to note that Lythgoe was involved in other separate lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct. According to a July 2025 report, one final case against him was pending a “conditional settlement” that involved an undisclosed payment to the accuser. This case is distinct from Abdul’s and involves a different plaintiff.
Paula Abdul’s Career Today and Lasting Legacy
Now in her sixties, Paula Abdul remains active in entertainment. Her career began as a Laker Girl cheerleader before she was discovered by The Jacksons and became a sought-after choreographer. She transitioned into a pop star, then became a household name as the compassionate judge on American Idol, often balancing Simon Cowell’s harsh critiques.
Her achievements are significant. She has won a Grammy Award, two Emmy Awards for choreography, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is also recognized for selling over 60 million records worldwide. While her legal battle with Nigel Lythgoe was a major personal event, her financial standing, built from decades of success in music, television, and dance, appears stable as of 2025.
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Credits: Celebrity Net Worth
