Pop Icon Paula Abdul Visits Parsippany Restaurant

PARSIPPANY, NJ — A pop music icon, also known for her role as a judge on “American Idol,” was spotted dining in a Parsippany restaurant recently.

Grammy-award-winning artist Paula Abdul popped into Eccola, an Italian eatery known for its cozy ambiance, traditional Italian cuisine, and locally beloved pizza.

A photo shared on social media shows Abdul between Eccola owner Jeff DiBlasi and Dave Cavaliere of the Parsippany Police Department.

According to a social media post by Patrick Minutillo, Cavaliere is a friend of Abdul and her agent, and recommended the joint when they were searching for a dinner spot.

“I have no doubt Paula enjoyed a great meal at one of our fantastic Italian restaurants while visiting our town,” Minutillo wrote.

Abdul rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a chart-topping pop singer and dancer. She is known for hits like "Straight Up," "Cold Hearted," and "Opposites Attract.” The latter’s music video earned her a Grammy win in 1991.

Abdul once again became a household name in 2002, when she worked as a judge on the singing competition “American Idol.” She worked on the show from 2002 to 2009 alongside co-judges Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell.

Since leaving American Idol, the California-native has served as a guest judge on other competitions, made cameos in films, and continues to tour around the world.