The Thanksgiving Day Parade had a big star power on Thursday morning.
Singer and American Idol alum Paula Abdul, 60, shone in a metallic outfit as she lit up the festivities in New York City while riding a float.
The star looked slim in the shimmering number as she belted out her 1988 hit song Straight Up.
Also present at the parade were singers Jordin Sparks, Lea Michele and Mariah Carey.
Go for it again: The Thanksgiving Day Parade had a big star power on Thursday morning. Singer and American Idol alum Paula Abdul, 60, shone in a metallic outfit
Look cute: The star looked slim in the sparkly number as she sang her 1988 hit song Straight Up
‘Today is the day! I’ll be on the fabulous Jennie-O Big Turkey Spectacular Float, performing ‘Straight Up’ at the Macy’s 96th Thanksgiving Day Parade,’ Abdul wrote on Instagram.
‘To keep everyone at home connected while you prepare your JENNIE-O® turkey, head over to JennieO.com for all your holiday needs!! #JennieO #Turkey #MacysParade @hormelfoods @Macys.’
She was seen in a sparkly jumpsuit as she sang her heart out.
Waving to the crowd: Before Paula sang, she wore a fluffy golden coat
Glad to be a part of it all: the mermaid is back in the spotlight this year
With temperatures reaching a high of 50 on Thursday morning and clear skies, spectators should have a clear view of the 16 giant balloon figures which are expected to fly at 9 a.m.
While all eyes will be on the parade, viewers may notice the absence of Today Show’s Al Roker, who will miss the event for the first time in 27 years after being hospitalized with blood clots. Yes
And the show continued without the popular host as Broadway singer Lea Michele kicked off the festivities with a performance of Don’t Rain on My Parade from her Broadway Show Funny Girl.
With a pal: Here the singer was seen with late night talk show host Jimmy Fallon
In addition to the iconic balloons, the parade will also feature 28 floats, 12 marching bands, 700 clowns and several music stars expected to make their way on Thanksgiving Day.
The tradition dates back nearly a century, when Macy’s flagship store in Manhattan held its first holiday parade.
It was then called Macy’s Christmas Parade.
It has always taken place on Thanksgiving morning and the first parade dates back to 1924.
Fun Moments: PAW Patrol Balloon flies during Macy’s 96th Thanksgiving Parade in Manhattan
Made up to shine: She had heavy eye makeup with crystal and plum lipstick
It was created in hopes of attracting customers for holiday shopping.
Over the ensuing decades, the parade grew and evolved into an hour-long event filled with towering balloons, celebrity performers and festive floats.
Paula made news last year when she underwent breast reduction surgery to reduce the size of her implants.
The former America Idol judge underwent corrective surgery to undo a previous breast augmentation procedure.
Paula had old implants removed which were “a little too big” for her body and causing her discomfort.
She had a backup dancer: Paula is seen in the background on the fun green and gold float
Ring it in: She also flashed a huge champagne-colored ring to go with her look
In a video shared on Instagram by medical device company InMode – of which Paula is the brand ambassador – she said: “With my height, I am small, I started with smaller breasts and there are about 20+ years ago I had implants put in, and the more I danced the harder it got on my back.
“Over the years, gravity happens too, and I’ve always felt like [they were] a little too big for my frame, and I wanted to remove the old implants.
Also in the video – which was recorded before the operation – Paula is told by her surgeon, Dr Jacob Unger, that her plan is to ‘reshape the breasts really well and get the best shape and contour for match your frame”.
She can dance: the mermaid wore black high heels with black stockings
Professing his excitement, the ‘Opposites Attract’ hitmaker exclaims: ‘I’m very excited. It’s going to be very good.’
In 2019, Paula spoke honestly about the plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures she had undergone, insisting that her goal was to enhance her natural appearance and not try to pretend she wasn’t aging.
Speaking to PEOPLE at the time, she said: “I feel like I’m aging as gracefully as possible, with a healthy perspective. Dancing with passion every day maintains that. Aging is inevitable and I haven’t really put too much pressure on it.
The day of: Early Thursday, Maria Carey was seen heading to the parade