Paula Abdul: I'm Ready to Transition Into Acting

(Photo Credit: Beck Starr/Getty Images)

Paula Abdul is all about reinvention.

The "Opposites Attract" singer, 51, made a name for herself in the 1990s with her unique combination of vocal talent and skills in choreography. Then in the 2000s, she became a TV darling on "American Idol."

Now, she's ready for another transition.

"I'm broadening my horizons into creating and producing content, performing in scripted dramas and half-hour television programs," she told ABC News. "My love for television began a long time ago when I first started working with James L. Brooks on "The Tracey Ullman Show." He became my mentor on the show. … I'm definitely ready and excited to make the transition into acting."

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With a heavy load on Abdul's plate, she believes everything in moderation is the way to go and never uses diets to stay in shape.

"I believe in nourishing the body and eating mindfully," she said. "I keep sugary foods to a minimum and I avoid foods that are too acidic. Also, I really love making juices, shakes and smoothies rich in calcium."

Abdul talked about her future plans and health regimen as part of a promotion for today's 1 p.m. ET ABC Health tweet chat to talk about the Muscular Dystrophy Association, her involvement, and what the organization is doing to find a cure for the disease.

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"It's vital to raise awareness and generate support for muscular dystrophy," Abdul said. "This year's telethon highlights MDA's vision of hope that new lifesaving treatments are on the horizon. I had the privilege of meeting actual MDA families who are actually in the trenches, fighting muscle disease. It's so moving and empowering. It stirs you and moves you to action."

She added that one of the biggest thrills of being involved with such a cause is that treatments for muscular dystrophy could be available soon. One girl's story really touched Abdul's heart.

"There was an incredible moment on the telethon in which 8-year-old Reagan Imhoff, a young girl affected by spinal muscular atrophy, was presented with ballet pointe shoes after a beautiful performance of 'I Hope You Dance' by Lee Ann Womack," she said. "Reagan loves to dance. She has the fiery passion of a dancer. But her muscles limit her abilities. Her eyes lit up so brightly … It was beautiful."

Fight Muscle Wasting Diseases Tweet Chat Today at 1 p.m.

Join Abdul today at 1 p.m. ET for an ABC Health tweet chat that discusses what's being done to fight muscle wasting diseases and how you can help. Dr. Richard Besser, ABC News' chief health and medical correspondent, will moderate the chat. They'll be joined by experts from all over the country, as well as Olympic Gold Medal gymnasts Nadia Comaneci and Bart Conner, and soap star Brandon Barash.

Joining the conversation is easy. To find out more, click here.