Paula Abdul talks about making it in Hollywood

Paula Abdul has talked about her Laker Girl days to surviving a plane crash in the latest Extra interview. 04/10/2008 - Paula Abdul - Beverly Hills, CA USA © Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

04/10/2008 - Paula Abdul - Beverly Hills, CA USA © Chris Hatcher / PR PhotosIn “Extra’s” brand new interview with Paula Abdul airing today, the American Idol judge opened up about overcoming all odds including a near fatal plane crash, countless failed dance auditions and finally making it big in Hollywood. “I am the quintessential role model for never giving up,” she declared.Abdul’s struggle began at birth, as she explained, “I was born premature…almost three months, just under three pounds with a broken windpipe and my lungs a complete mess.” Despite her rough start, she was determined to pursue a dancing career. “I was one of those people like the kids that line up around the building to audition for Idol. I would be the one in the loudest leotard….I figured if they are going to keep cutting me, they better remember what I look like.”After working double shifts at Burger King and Carl’s Jr. during high school, she got her big break when she made it as a Laker Girl. “Being a Laker Girl was my first [big audition I got]. I made it and honestly, it was a big deal because Laker Girls were brand new…I didn’t fit the mold, but I danced my butt off.” She even recounted the times when actor Jack Nicholson attended the basketball games. “Whenever the Laker Girls went out to perform, I would be center court and he would always..take his binoculars out and I would go, Jack!” she exclaimed.In 1992, Abdul’s career stalled when she was involved in a plane crash that robbed her of her voice. “My vocal chords were completely injured…and I barely had audible sounds. It took me two years to get my voice working again.” “I learned how to speak, unfortunately for Simon, and sing again, unfortunately for Simon,” Abdul said joking about her relationship with fellow American Idol judge, Simon Cowell. Despite their rocky relationship, Abdul admitted, “He [Simon] has meant a lot in my life for many reasons. He has made me stronger than I ever imagined I could be. There’s nobody who can rock my world. Nobody. I learned from the master.”“Extra’s” Interview with Paula Abdul airs on Friday, April 25th.For all the latest celebrity news, log onto here.