Synopsis

Paula Abdul performs for a group of powerful music executives in a dark, theatrical studio setting, using sharply controlled choreography to project confidence and sensuality. Surrounded by dancers in revealing black costumes, she moves through stylized formations, dramatic poses, and tightly synchronized routines while the executives watch from above. The video builds toward Abdul's commanding solo performance, presenting her as both a choreographer's choreographer and a pop star fully in control of her image.

Factoids & Trivia

• Abdul conceived the video as a tribute to choreographer Bob Fosse, adapting ideas from the "Take Off With Us" sequence in Fosse's 1979 film "All That Jazz."

• The choreography emphasizes Fosse's signature qualities: angular poses, isolated movements, deliberately bent wrists, and precise group formations.

• The black German marine-style cap worn by Abdul echoes the costume styling associated with the "All That Jazz" sequence.

• The video marked a shift in Abdul's public image from the more approachable presentation of "Forever Your Girl" toward a darker and more overtly sensual style.

• "Cold Hearted" was released in 1989 as the fifth single from Abdul's debut album, "Forever Your Girl."

• The clip reportedly remained at the top of MTV's video rotation for more than three weeks during the song's commercial peak.

• Abdul's fishnet dress from the video was later displayed at the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas.

• The performance was honored in a 2013 episode of "Glee," which paid tribute to Abdul's choreography and visual style.