'It's been magical and emotional': Paula Abdul connects to her Jewish roots on tourist trip to Israel

She may have became famous from her hit songs, impressive choreography and judging on American Idol, but Paul Abdul explored her spiritual side during a recent trip to Israel. The former American Idol and The X Factor judge discussed her Jewish heritage and even said she was planning on holding a belated Bat Mitzvah - the Jewish coming of age ceremony girls typically have at age 12 or 13. 'Beyond being Jewish, I've always found myself to be very much in tune with spirituality,' the 51-year-old told The Associated Press. 'I feel very grateful coming to Israel now, where as a woman I know who I am a lot more than even 10 years ago.' After a music career that saw her have six number one singles in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Abdul reinvented herself as a quirky judge of talent on American Idol. She left the U.S. talent show in 2009 after eight seasons over a contract dispute. She later had one season as a judge on the U.S. version of The X Factor. She'll appear next year as a judge on Australia's version of So You Think You Can Dance.

Pleased to meet you Mr President: Paula Abdul shares a laugh with Shimon Peres in Israel