Paula Abdul steps out with towering new beau John Caprio in Miami
Opposites Attract! Tiny Paula Abdul steps out with towering new beau John Caprio in Miami
Just last month we learned that Paula Abdul and record label owner Jeff Bratton had split after a year and a half together.
Now, mere weeks later, the former American Idol judge has decided to go public with her new beau, 40-year-old Rhode Island-based businessman John Caprio.
The pair were spotted having an intimate dinner together at Prime restaurant in Miami and held hands tightly as they left to get into their waiting car.
New love: Paula Abdul debuted her new beau, businessman John Caprio
Dressed in coordinating shades of grey the couple made an attractive pair, but even Paula's towering silver platforms heels could not disguise the big difference in height.
According to Star magazine the pair were introduced through Paula's sister Wendy.
A source told them: 'Paula's sister lives near Providence, and Paula and John were introduced by mutual friends in late November and they really hit it off.'
'She likes that he's a normal dude. She met his whole family, and they loved her. They're a big, loud family. But Paula fit right in.'
Opposites attract: The petite star barely came up to her boyfriend's shoulder
Bratton said of their separation: 'Paula and I split in November. It was an amicable thing. But between the final months of 'X Factor' and my responsibilities with (my label) Cascine, there was little time for us.'
The distance in their relationship is also said to have been a contributing factor, with Paula based in Los Angeles, while Jeff spent most of his time in New York.
The pair first met on a flight in 2010, but always made a joint effort to keep their romance out of the spotlight.
And Jeff is adamant he and Paula are still on good terms saying: 'We're still close. And I'll always be grateful for the time we shared as a couple.'
Candlelit supper: The pair enjoyed an intimate meal at a Miami steakhouse
So much to talk about: The couple seemed engrossed in conversation throughout the entire evening
Paula has suffered a string of setbacks recently both personally and professionally.
The world was shocked when it was announced she had been fired from friend and former American Idol co-star Simon Cowell's X-Factor.
She had served as a mentor on the programme, but was let go alongside fellow mentor NIcole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones.
It was also revealed shortly afterwards that Abdul had agreed to pay $900,000 damages to a woman who she was accused of injuring on her driveway.
X-factor: John obviously has something that Paula likes
Despite her upset, Paula has vowed to stay friends with show supremo Simon Cowell, who she previously worked with on 'American Idol'.
She said: 'Yes, it's true; I won't be returning to 'The X Factor' next season. I've learned through my longevity in this industry that business decisions often times override personal considerations.
'Simon is, and will remain a dear friend of mine and I've treasured my experience working this past season with my extended family at Fox and Fremantle.
'I want nothing more than for The X Factor to exceed ALL of their wildest dreams. This truly has been a blessing and I am most grateful.'
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