Kathy Hilton’s “hunky dory” persona is the real deal, according to her close friend Paula Abdul.
“She’s always been quirky, even before ‘Housewives,'” the 60-year-old pop legend told Vidak For Congress exclusively during Thursday’s premiere of “Drag: The Musical” in Los Angeles.
Years before Hilton, 63, joined “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” in 2021 as a “friend of” the cast, Abdul fronted her own Bravo reality series, “Hey Paula,” which aired for one season in 2007. .
When asked if she and Hilton ever discussed their shared experience as Bravolebrities, Abdul admitted, “Not at all.”
However, the Grammy winner was delighted that the socialite, who established herself as a fan favorite during her first season of “Beverly Hills,” is a “natural for reality TV.”
Currently, Hilton’s feud with castmate Lisa Rinna – after an alleged “psychotic hiatus” in Aspen – is set in the series.
However, the former host of “I Want to Be a Hilton” enjoys the support of fans who don’t understand why no one wanted to join her for a conga line at the swanky members-only Caribou Club — the apparent catalyst for her outburst. .
Meanwhile, Abdul has appreciated Hilton’s eccentric behavior throughout their decades-long friendship — especially on the opening night of her “Forever Your Girl” residency in Las Vegas in October 2019.
‘I’ll tell you the funniest thing. It’s the opening night of my residency in Vegas and she doesn’t understand that I’m starting the show in the audience in the director’s chair,” Abdul said, recalling the intimate intro to her Sin City spectacle that ended in January 2020. .
“And she comes after me and she starts [massaging my shoulders] and starts talking to me,” the singer continued with a laugh. “And in my head I’m like, ‘Kathy, I’m starting my show!'”
Hilton would eventually take the stage with Abdul two years later — at daughter Paris Hilton’s November 11, 2021 wedding to Carter Reum, documented for Peacock’s “Paris in Love.”
Moments after DJ Abdul’s #1 hit “Straight Up” played at the reception, Kathy and Paris, 41, forced the entertainer to perform live for notable guests like Kim Kardashian, Nicole Richie, Ashlee Simpson, Demi Lovato and Bebe Rexha.
“Both Kathy and Paris pulled me up and I thought, ‘Great.’ I had no idea I was going to perform that night, but it was so much fun,” she said. “I’m glad they pulled me up!”
Abdul was one of the celebrities who came out Thursday night for the inaugural performance of “Drag: The Musical,” starring “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Alaska Thunderf-k, “Fire Island” actor Nick Adams and New Kids on the Block crooner Joey. McIntyre.
Jeff Lewis, Chris Colfer, Courtney Stodden, Felix Solis and DJ “Shangela” Pierce, among others, also attended the LGBTQIA+ production.
For her part, Abdul told Vidak For Congress that she will “always” defend the gay community in any way she can.
“The community has been so special to me for as long as I can remember, especially because of how my career as a choreographer started,” she said. “My prized gems are my dancers and so many of them are part of the community.”
Abdul explained: ‘For so long I could only ask myself, ‘How could I get more involved?’ How could I be more of an ally?’ I will continue to do that forever.”