Paula Abdul has officially stepped out with her new romantic partner, making their relationship public for the first time at a star-studded pre-Grammy Awards event. The celebrated entertainer and her beau, personal injury lawyer Kevin Taguchi, debuted as a couple on Saturday evening at Clive Davis' prestigious annual gala, held at the iconic Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles.
A Glamorous Red Carpet Debut
The 63-year-old singer and television personality looked radiantly youthful as she walked the red carpet hand-in-hand with Taguchi, who is 64 and based in Los Angeles. Abdul chose a show-stopping rose-gold gown for the occasion, which was meticulously covered in shimmering sequins and featured dramatic, elegantly draped sleeves that added a touch of theatrical flair.
The halter neck design incorporated a structured corset bodice that perfectly accentuated the lifelong dancer's famously fit physique. Complementing her dazzling ensemble, Abdul styled her honey-blonde highlighted hair in a soft, loose updo, with face-framing bangs that highlighted her delicate features. Her makeup was subtle yet polished, completed with a sophisticated mauve-toned lipstick that enhanced her natural beauty.
Taguchi's Classic Style
For his part, Kevin Taguchi presented a picture of timeless elegance in a sharp black suit, paired with a classic black tie and crisp white shirt. His cropped salt-and-pepper hair was neatly slicked back, and he appeared clean-shaven for the glamorous affair, looking every bit the handsome companion to the music industry icon.
While the exact duration of their relationship remains undisclosed, this public appearance marks a significant new chapter for Abdul. It comes just over a year after she reached a substantial settlement in a sexual harassment lawsuit against fellow reality television judge Nigel Lythgoe, who had denied allegations of misconduct. Following the December 2024 settlement, Abdul expressed relief, stating she was grateful to put that difficult chapter behind her.
A Star-Studded Evening
The Clive Davis pre-Grammy gala is renowned as one of the music industry's most exclusive events, attracting a constellation of celebrity guests. This year's gathering was no exception, with notable attendees including Paris Hilton, Jennifer Hudson, and Demi Lovato among the famous faces mingling at the Beverly Hilton.
A highlight of the evening saw Republic Records co-founders Avery and Monte Lipman honoured for their exceptional contributions to the music business, setting the stage for the main Grammy Awards ceremony the following day.
The Grammys Ceremony Ahead
As the pre-Grammy festivities concluded, attention turned to the 68th annual Grammy Awards, scheduled to take place at Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena on Sunday. Considered music's most prestigious night, the ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS and available for streaming on Paramount+, beginning at 5pm Pacific Time.
Comedian Trevor Noah will return for his sixth consecutive year as host, presiding over a ceremony where nominations are led by 22-time Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar, who secured an impressive nine nods. Lady Gaga follows with seven nominations, alongside Taylor Swift's longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff and renowned pop producer Cirkut.
The performance lineup promises spectacular entertainment, featuring artists such as Sabrina Carpenter – who earned six nominations for her 2025 album Man's Best Friend – alongside Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, and K-pop sensation Rosé. This gathering of musical talent underscores the Grammys' enduring status as the industry's premier celebration of artistic achievement.
