The Thanksgiving Day parade had some big star power on Thursday morning.
Singer and American Idol alumnus Paula Abdul, 60, beamed in a metallic outfit as she lit up the celebrations in New York City on a float.
The star looked slim in the sparkling number as she belted out her 1988 hit Straight Up.
Also at the parade were singers Jordin Sparks, Lea Michele and Mariah Carey.
Nevertheless, it goes on: The Thanksgiving Day parade had great star power on Thursday morning. Singer and American Idol alum Paula Abdul, 60, beamed in a metallic outfit
Cute look: The star looked slim in the sparkling number as she belted out her 1988 hit song Straight Up
‘Today is the day! I will be on the fabulous Jennie-O Big Turkey Spectacular Float performing “Straight Up” at the 96th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” Abdul wrote on Instagram.
“For everyone tuning in at home while preparing your JENNIE-O® Turkey, visit JennieO.com for all your holiday needs!! #JennieO #Turkey #MacysParade @hormelfoods @Macys.’
She was spotted in a glittery catsuit as she sang her heart out.
Waving to the crowd: Before Paula sang, she wore a golden fleece coat
Glad to be there: The siren is in the limelight again this year
With temperatures soaring to a high of 50C on Thursday morning and clear skies, spectators should have a clear view of the 16 giant balloon figures that are scheduled to fly at 9am
While all eyes will be on the parade, viewers may note the absence of The Today Show’s Al Roker, who will miss the event for the first time in 27 years after being hospitalized with a blood clot. Y
he show continued without the popular host, as Broadway singer Lea Michele opened the celebrations with a rendition of Don’t Rain on My Parade from her Broadway show Funny Girl.
With a pal: Here the singer was spotted 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 who will make their way through the parade on Thanksgiving Day.
The tradition dates back almost a century when Macy’s flagship store held its first Christmas parade in Manhattan.
It was then called the Macy’s Christmas Parade.
It always took place on Thanksgiving morning and the first parade was held in 1924.
Fun times: PAW Patrol balloon flies during the 96th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan
Make up to shine: She wore heavy eye makeup with crystal and plum lipstick
It was created in hopes of attracting customers to do some Christmas shopping.
Over the decades that followed, the parade has grown and evolved into an hour-long event complete with towering balloons, celebrity performers and festive floats.
Paula made headlines last year when she had a breast reduction to make her implants smaller.
The former America Idol judge underwent corrective surgery to reverse a previous breast augmentation.
Paula had old implants removed that were “a bit too big” for her body and caused her discomfort.
She had a backup dancer: Paula can be seen in the background on the fun green and gold float
Ring it in: She also flashed a massive champagne colored ring to match her look
In a video shared on Instagram by medical device company InMode – for which Paula is a brand ambassador – she said: “I’m petite at my height, I started with smaller breasts and had implants over 20 years ago, and growing I danced, the harder it got on my back.
“Over the years, gravity happens too, and I’ve just always had that feeling [they were] a little too big for my build and I wanted to get the old implants out.’
Also in the video that was recorded before the operation, Paula is being treated by her surgeon Dr. Jacob Unger said that his plan is to “reshape the breasts very well and get the best overall shape and contour that fits your body.”
She sure can dance: The siren wore black high heels with black stockings
The ‘Opposites Attract’ hitmaker admitted her excitement: “I’m very excited. It’s going to be great.”
In 2019, Paula spoke honestly about the plastic surgeries and cosmetic procedures she’s had, insisting her goal was to enhance her natural looks and not try to pretend not to age.
Speaking to PEOPLE at the time, she said: “I feel like aging as gracefully as one can be, with a healthy attitude. Dancing with passion every day keeps it going. Aging is inevitable and I haven’t really put too much pressure on it.
The Day: Early Thursday, Maria Carey was spotted making her way to the parade