How Paula Abdul’s Love for Gene Kelly Sparked the Creation of MC Skat Kat
Paula Abdul’s iconic animated sidekick, MC Skat Kat, wasn’t just a quirky character thrown together for fun—it was a heartfelt tribute born from childhood inspiration and pure creative passion.
Growing up, Abdul was completely mesmerized by Gene Kelly. She’s shared before that seeing Kelly perform in Singin’ in the Rain at just four years old was a game-changer for her. That magical moment planted a seed: show business was where she belonged. Fast forward decades, and Abdul got to pay homage to that early influence in the most creative way possible—with the animated cat MC Skat Kat in her smash hit music video “Opposites Attract.”
The Seed of Inspiration: A Tribute to an Idol
On the PEOPLE in the ’90s podcast, Abdul explained that the idea for MC Skat Kat came from a very specific place. She wanted to “pay gratitude” to Gene Kelly, a performer she idolized. The spark came from Kelly’s legendary dance with Jerry Mouse in the classic 1945 film Anchors Away, where the boundaries between live-action and animation blurred in the coolest way.
“I wanted to be a cat because Gene Kelly danced with a mouse,” Abdul said. She envisioned a hip, urban animated partner that could groove and rap alongside her, capturing that same playful, boundary-pushing spirit.
The Battle with the Label: Creativity vs. Radio Rules
But here’s where things got tricky. By the time Abdul wanted to release “Opposites Attract,” she had already put out six singles from her debut album Forever Your Girl. The label was worried that releasing a seventh single would flood the radio waves and tire listeners out.
Abdul, however, was determined. “I said, ‘I don’t care about a single. I just want to do a long-form video and create my own animated character and give it as a gift to Gene Kelly,’” she recalled. That tenacity paid off, and the label finally greenlit the project.
Crafting the Coolest Cat on the Block
Once the go-ahead came, Abdul teamed up with the creative duo Candace Reckinger and Michael Patterson, who were experts in visual arts and animation. Together, they started shaping MC Skat Kat’s look and personality.
Abdul was hands-on, bringing tear sheets and ideas to the table. She wanted MC Skat Kat to have a fade haircut, a stylish earring, and an ultra-hip, urban vibe. More than just a cartoon cat, MC Skat Kat had to be cool enough to rap and match her energy on screen.
Her label, Virgin Records, loved the vision, and that sealed the deal.
The Result: A Grammy-Winning Hit and an Album-Boosting Phenomenon
The “Opposites Attract” music video was a massive hit. The single’s success helped skyrocket Abdul’s debut album sales past 17 million copies worldwide, with Abdul estimating that nearly half—about 8 million—came thanks to that one track.
Her unique blend of live-action and animation, combined with a catchy tune and a memorable dance routine, earned her a Grammy Award in 1990 for Best Short Form Music Video.
The Moment of Realization: When It All Came Together
Paula Abdul still remembers the overwhelming rush of seeing the finished product. “I was shaking,” she told PEOPLE. “I couldn’t believe that’s me, and that everything was happening.”
That year also marked a milestone for Abdul—she graced the cover of PEOPLE Magazine for the first time, cementing her place as a rising star with a distinctive creative edge.
Why “Opposites Attract” Still Matters Today
Beyond its catchy beat and innovative animation, the “Opposites Attract” video stands as a testament to Abdul’s creativity, resilience, and deep respect for her idols. It’s proof that sometimes, blending the past with the present—like live-action dance with an animated cat—can create something timeless.
If you want to dive deeper into Abdul’s journey and the story behind MC Skat Kat, check out her interview on the PEOPLE in the ’90s podcast, available on iHeartMedia, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Quick Highlights:
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Paula Abdul’s love for Gene Kelly inspired the creation of MC Skat Kat.
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The character was designed to be hip, cool, and urban, complete with a fade and an earring.
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The “Opposites Attract” video helped push Abdul’s Forever Your Girl album sales to over 17 million worldwide.
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Despite label hesitations, Abdul insisted on making the animated video as a tribute.
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The video won a Grammy in 1990.
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Abdul’s vision brought a fresh, groundbreaking blend of live-action and animation to music videos.
Paula Abdul’s story reminds us that creative risks—especially those born from genuine passion—can leave a lasting mark. MC Skat Kat isn’t just an animated character; he’s a symbol of honoring legends, pushing artistic boundaries, and making music videos unforgettable.
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