American Idol star Paula Abdul has certainly faced her share of challenges in her life, but she continues to come out on top. The latest issue of Ladies’ Home Journal has a fascinating profile of Paula, that covers everything from her medical problems to what she thinks about the man everyone loves to hate, Simon Cowell.

I knew she’s had medical issues in her life, but I had no idea the extent of what Paula has had to deal with in this area. Starting with a serious cheerleading accident when she was 17 that damaged her back, Paula then broke a leg, sustained a neck injury in a car accident, and then was in a plane crash that left her partially paralyzed and required 15 spinal surgeries!

Of course there’s some juicy quotes along the way. On Cowell: “Simon’s like the brother I never had - or wanted.” To read more about Paula’s positive approach to life (and just a little dirt), click on the image below.

Look Inside >>  June 2009