Paula Abdul is feeling emotional over the renewed love surrounding her classic hit “Forever Your Girl.”
Speaking at the American Music Awards at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Monday, May 25, the 63-year-old singer told PEOPLE how grateful she is for the song’s enduring popularity.
“I always say I never take anything in my career for granted, and the amount of pinch me moments and tears from my eyes, it still exists every day,” Abdul said. “And it started from the movie People We Meet on Vacation, and then everyone started doing TikToks.”
Abdul also noted that Meghan Markle used “Forever Your Girl” as the soundtrack to her Instagram anniversary post with Prince Harry. On May 19, Meghan, 44, shared never-before-seen wedding photos, including a black-and-white shot of herself and Harry in the cloisters of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor. She added Abdul’s song when reposting the post to her Instagram Stories.
“I pinched myself and I was like, ‘This is awesome,’” Abdul said, describing how the gesture made her “tearful.” She added, “Little gems and moments can come in and just bless your life.”
Abdul reposted Meghan’s story on her own Instagram, captioning it:
“So sweet to hear ‘Forever Your Girl’ over these beautiful memories. Wishing you both continued love, laughter and a very Happy Anniversary! XoP.”
Originally released as a single in 1989, “Forever Your Girl” was the title track of Abdul’s 1988 debut album. Its music video, directed by David Fincher, featured a young Elijah Wood, who recalled on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that the shoot had the children portraying adults in a creative office scenario, complete with playful angst and dramatic gestures.
At the time, the album set records for the most successful debut by a female artist, with Abdul being the first woman to have four U.S. Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles from her first album.
Meanwhile, Meghan and Harry marked their anniversary with family celebrations alongside Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 4. The family enjoyed a lemon and elderflower cake, matching the flavor of their wedding cake, and Harry gifted Meghan a bronze sculpture of two cuddling penguins, a nod to their 2017 engagement party theme and the traditional symbolic gift for an eight-year anniversary.
“When mama and papa got engaged, we had a party with all of our friends, and we said, ‘Everyone wear an animal onesie,’” Meghan explained to the children. “We were penguins.”
Additionally, Meghan shared a touching gesture she received from British Airways while flying home from Geneva. The airline crew presented her and Harry with a handwritten card, a bottle of champagne, and British candies for the kids. A source told PEOPLE:
“It was very special and so appreciated by Meghan, who wanted to publicly thank them. She was truly so touched.”
This anniversary celebration highlighted the couple’s personal moments and enduring bonds, while also giving Abdul’s iconic song a heartfelt resurgence.
