See Paula Abdul’s new line of audio glasses, IdolEyes

Paula Abdul knows not everyone will take her seriously as a tech maven. She knows that her long history as a singer, dancer, choreographer, and television personality makes her an easy target for snark as she rolls out a line of fashion audio glasses. And honestly she doesn’t really care all that much. 

“You get known for one specific area in your life,” she tells Fast Company. “When I was starting out, I always felt I was a multitasker and that I did many things. . . . I’ve never fit the mold. You create your own success by trial and error and triumph over adversity. What’s important for me is to always suit up and show up.”

For the latest addition to her multi-hyphenate career, Abdul has partnered with creator brand studio Famecast and 1of1 Custom, makers of hearing protection and ear monitors for performers, to create IdolEyes, a brand of fashion-forward audio sunglasses that allow people to listen to music, podcasts, and audio via directional speakers built into the arm of the glasses while protecting their eyes. 

Fashion, of course, is subjective, but the brand’s first pair of glasses, the Straight Ups—a nod to Abdul’s 1988 hit—checks a lot of boxes, offering an open-ear design, UV400 sun protection, the option to pop in prescription lenses, and a claimed five-hour-plus battery life. They’re also comfortable, an area where several other audio glasses fall short. 

They’re currently sold on Abdul’s website at a discounted price of $199. She plans to spend the next two days of the Consumer Electronics Show taking meetings with retailers. 

“This world is like entertainment,” Abdul says. “It’s not for the weak. I always say stand by the product, stand by the goods of what you’re delivering. If you’ve got the goods, be proud. And I’m very proud. It’s not like I’m teaming up with people who don’t know what they’re doing.”

She’s not. 1of1 might not be a familiar name to many (this is its first commercial product), but the company’s in-ear monitors are worn by artists ranging from Steve Aoki and Marshmello to Imagine Dragons. 

Abdul was involved with the design of the glasses, insisting, for instance, that the weight of the batteries and speakers be balanced in the arms so that there’s no pressure on the wearer’s nose. But the appeal for her, she says, is the opportunity to learn more about the tech world. 

“I’m a total geek [but] I’m not a tech geek,” she says. “I’m a student in this area. . . . [But] I’m interested in all of it. I’m interested in the abundance of endless possibilities and new tech products that are out there.”

And she’s ready to tune out any skeptics. 

“I am no stranger to knowing how difficult it is to be in an arena and be the center of positive or negative [attention],” she says. “One thing my dad always taught me was for every person who loves you, there’s someone who dislikes you. That’s not for you to care or worry about.”