In the Fresh Off the Boat episode “Do You Hear What I Hear?”, Jessica (Constance Wu) is charge of the HOA Christmas committee. Based on last year’s performance, she threatens to cut the neighborhood caroling this year. Neighborhood gossip Deirdre (Rachel Cannon) invites her friend Holly, a dance teacher, to help get everyone into “melodic shape.”
Holly is portrayed by dancer/choreographer/singer Paula Abdul. The former NBA L.A. Lakers cheerleader is known as a judge on the TV competitions So You Think You Can Dance, American Idol (2002-2013), and The X Factor (2011). The 5-foot-tall performer got her big break as a choreographer when recruited by The Jacksons to work on their 1984 “Torture” video and later their Victory tour. She launched her own music career with her debut album Forever Your Girl, and followed it with the massive radio hit Straight Up (see video below). Fresh Off the Boat airs Tuesdays at 8:30pm on ABC, right after The Middle.
