EXCLUSIVE: “It was a bucket list moment!” Paula Abdul discusses THAT divisive tap dance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and shares her secret to staying fit at 60
Paula Abdul has opened up about her attention-grabbing tap dancing performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in an exclusive interview with .
The 60-year-old pop icon and dancer caused a stir on social media when she performed a high-energy sketch of her hit song “Straight Up” in a sequined catsuit aboard a float in November 2022.
The star’s performance, which saw her accused of lip-synching and “fake tap dancing”, drew mixed reactions on social media, with some criticizing the “budget performance”.
Others wrote, “Something’s a little wrong here though…come on.” Not that hard to figure out! “She fakes everything.”
Another wrote: ‘Wow lip sync AND toe sync at the same time.’ #Talent.’
Others hailed the star, saying, ‘Right people on twitter hate Paula Abdul she’s just living her best life,’ while another wrote, ‘She makes it look easy doesn’t she?’ So cool!’
Dance dance: Paula Abdul opened up about her attention-grabbing tap dance performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in an exclusive interview with
Reaction: The 60-year-old pop icon and dancer caused a stir on social media when she performed a high-energy skit of her hit ‘Straight Up’ on board a float in a sequined catsuit
Paula said, “That was a moment that was on my wish list.” Ever since I was a little girl I’ve, I mean, always watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade.
“I used to be the kid my parents would say to, ‘Paula, come out of your room, the parade is over.’
“I hung over my window sill because I was adamant they would march down my street.” So I stayed out there for hours. That was really fun, and then having the opportunity to do my residencies in Las Vegas.”
The legendary choreographer also gushed about the powerful impact dance has on “everyone’s psyche” and how she stays in top form at 60.
The star said, “I always will.” I always say my second home is a dance studio. I’m just grateful to have it in my life for all these years…it’s not like exercise, it’s just pure joy.
Her secret: The legendary choreographer also gushed about the powerful impact dance has on “everyone’s psyche” and how she stays in top form at 60
She still has it! The star said, “I always will.” I always say my second home is a dance studio. I’m just grateful to have it in my life for all these years…it’s not like exercise, it’s just pure joy
Abdul’s debut studio album, Forever Your Girl (1988) became the highest-grossing debut album in history at the time of its release, peaking at number one on the Billboard 200 chart (pictured in 1989).
Icon: She later experienced a professional resurgence when she landed a job on American Idol in 2002 – a role she kept until 2009 (pictured in 2008)
“It changes everyone’s mind and psyche, and it changes your life for the rest of your life.” I love watching people who are always scared of dancing start dancing and then work out a bit, and I ask myself, “Where has that been all my life?”
The star also revealed that she was preparing for some tour dates as she opened up about her future plans.
Abdul famously began her career at the age of 18 as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers and was promoted to chief choreographer before the Jacksons discovered her.
The Emmy-winning choreographer went on to create dances for Janet Jackson’s music videos for What Have You Done for Me Lately, Nasty and Control before launching her own singing career.
Abdul’s debut studio album Forever Your Girl (1988) became the highest-grossing debut album in history at the time of its release, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
It also set a record for most singles from a debut album, peaking at number one with four singles; Straight Up, Forever Your Girl, Cold Hearted and Opposites Attract.
She later experienced a career boost when she landed a job on American Idol in 2002 — a role she kept through 2009.
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