Paula Abdul to Snag the “Always Next, Forever Now” Icon Honor at the 2010 NewNowNext Awards!

Hey Paula… Congrats!!!!

Last year it was Britney. Back in 2008 it was Janet Jackson. But hang on to your tap shoes and call MC Skat Kat, because word just came our way that music/TV legend Paula Abdul is gonna be crowned with this year’s “Always Next, Forever Now” Icon honor at the 2010 NewNowNext Awards rush-rushing your way on June 17th on Logo.

The prize awards a pop icon who’s been turning it out for “God and the gays” and who doesn’t love the hot-footed sass of Ms. Paula Abdul? Over the last 20 years the former Laker Girl has docked time as a world-class video/film choreographer, a “Straight Up” pop megastar, a workout guru, an ally to LGBT and AIDS-related causes, and a co-host/judge on one of the most successful TV show phenomenon ever to grace your flatscreen (Er, I’m talking “American Idol,” not “Hey Paula” — though that was pretty genius, also).

Majorly legendary vintage Paula

Oh, and word hit last week that now Paula is slated to serve as head judge on a brand new CBS reality competition show, Got to Dance. Zoinks!

Watch my personal favorite Paula Abdul video EVER right here (it’s “Cold Hearted Snake” and I die everytime I see it). And after the jump enjoy a litany of perfectly Paula pics — and more videos.

For more 2010 NewNowNext Awards, and to VOTE for your faves, go to NewNowNext.com/vote already…

Paula onstage at host for the big splashy 2009 return of VH1 Divas.

Serving us some Toni home perm realness back in 1999.

And because you need some more Paula video… Here’s the song and video that started it all, “Straight Up.”

Hey remember way back when Paula worked at Foot Locker at the mall in Sherman Oaks? Classic!

OMG — at the Grammys in 1990

Speaking of Paula in the 1990s, I remember her hosting the closing ceremonies at the finish line of one of the big fundraise-y AIDSRides in LA back in 1993 or so, and she was amazing. She spoke eloquently, enthusiastically welcoming the riders, and even crying (Yes, Paula crying… Can you imagine??) when they rolled the lone empty bike across the finish line in memory of all of those courageous folk who succumbed to AIDS and weren’t with us. There wasn’t a dry eye on Santa Monica Boulevard. Thanks, Paula!!!

And here’s Paula doing comedy. Really! She’s in Ellen drag dancing at the 2009 VH1 Divas. I love this.

With those American Idol clowns…

I know you’re all secretly massive fans of the MTV series “Rah! Paula Abdul’s Cheerleading Bowl.” Word.

Forever Your Girl… ‘Nuff said.

And because you can’t have too much Paula video…

Here’s “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow” — which has always been my personal mantra.

“Opposites Attract” – They don’t make ‘em like this anymore. Ahem.

Feeling “Knocked Out”?

Getting all epic for “Blowing Kisses in the Wind”

And another personal favorite… “Rush Rush.” Starring Paula and Keanu Reeves in a “Rebel Without a Cause” remake. Why the f*#k not???

Get more Paula at PaulaAbdul.com or @PaulaAbdul. And get more about the 2010 NewNowNext Awards, airing on Logo on June 17th.