Paula Abdul‘s show-stopping performance at theBillboard Music Awardson Wednesday night had one accidental casualty —Julianne Hough‘s neck!
As the pop veteran, 56, danced and sang through a spirited medley of her biggest hits, at one pointshe threw a large black hat off of her head and into the crowd. As the hat flew off, it hit Hough directly in the neck, causing her to laughingly gasp and turn toward the camera.
After the show, Hough, 30, shared a photo of herself still wearing her glam awards show outfit with what appeared to be a white neck brace around her neck. In the snap, the dancer smiled and gave two thumbs up.
Abdul quickly responded, quipping: “OMG IM PEEING MY PANTS!!!!! You know it was with love.”
Be sure to check out PEOPLE’sBillboard Music Awards coverageto get the latest news on music’s big night.
Abdul’s performance included her 1988 No. 1 hit “Straight Up,” her breakthrough smash “(It’s Just) The Way That You Love Me,” as well as chart-toppers “Opposites Attract,” “Cold Hearted” and “Forever Your Girl.”
She received a standing ovation from the audience — as well as the adoration of hostKelly Clarkson— at the end of the performance, which saw her doing everything from tap-dancing to leaping into the waiting arms of her dancers.
It’s been 30 years since Abdul hit No. 1 with four tracks from her debut albumForever Your Girl, which spent 64 weeks on the Billboard charts.
Paula Abdul.Kevin Mazur/Getty
Paula Abdul.Kevin Winter/Getty
Abdul opened up about returning to the stage during E! News’ red carpet pre-show.
“For me, I think if you align yourself in that heart space what you love to do, then you’re on the right path,” she said. “You have to be willing to make sharp left turns and sharp right turns … It’s hard to make it in this business. You can’t take things too seriously, and as I get older the more I’m in the moment, the more I appreciate everything that’s going on.”
The singer added: “I’m doing it for my momandmy dad!”
The formerAmerican Idoljudge’s big performance came two weeks after she revealedher father Harry diedjust one year after Abdul lost hermother Lorraine.
“My Father was, and always will be, my superhero. ♥️🙏🏼” she wrote alongside several photos of the pair together on April 17. “Thank you ALL for the heartfelt condolences. Your love and support is comforting me during this difficult time. xoP”
Abdul also posed withTaylor Swiftahead of the big awards show.
On Wednesday night, Swift, 29,shared a photo of herselfwith two of her cats and Abdul on Instagram.
“I’m trying to give them a normal upbringing but when the little ones and I ran into the flawless @paulaabdul on the way to red carpet we STRAIGHT UP had to get a pic,” she captioned the shot, which featured her cats Olivia Benson and Benjamin Button.
Later on the red carpet, Abdul spoke toAccess Hollywoodabout the shot —and dropped a major bomb.
“I’m allergic to cats!” she said “I love cats, but I’ve tried allergy shots. Certain dogs I’m allergic to as well.”
However, the photo was a possible turning point for the formerAmerican Idoljudge.
“I’m thinking maybe I’m not as allergic as I used to be, because I did fine.”
source: people.com
