Paula Abdul Rehearses for 2019 Billboard Music Awards Following Her Father’s Untimely Death

Nothing can stop Paula Abdul from giving one of the best performances of her life at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards on Wednesday, May 1! The 56-year-old superstar was spotted giving it her all during a rehearsal for the red carpet event nearly two weeks after her dad, Harry Abdul, died.

In photos that were taken during her rehearsal, Paula can be seen twirling around on stage and being lifted up by her dancers. If anything, she’s not letting her dad’s death hold her back or make her want to cancel her appearance.

Harry was only 85 years old when he passed away from Alzheimer’s disease. On Wednesday, April 17, Paula remembered her late father by sharing a heartwarming tribute to him on Instagram. “Everyone loved my father. He had a heart of gold and carried his heart on his sleeve wherever he went, and shared it with everyone he came in contact with,” the former American Idol host online. “Isn’t it a beautiful gift that I still feel his spirit with me? My Father was, and always will be, my superhero.”

Paula then thanked all of her fans for sending her sweet messages following her dad’s death on social media. “Thank you ALL for the heartfelt condolences,” she said. “Your love and support is comforting me during this difficult time. xoP.” Alongside the beautiful caption, she shared a series of pics of her dad and herself together.

“Heart of gold, that’s how I remember him. He was the sweetest guy in the world and was way ahead on the whole ‘bottled water’ craze,” Paula’s ex-boyfriend John Stamos wrote in the comments section. “Good man. Sorry for your loss Paula xoxo JS.”

Although her dad won’t be able to see her perform at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, Paula will surely still dance like her father’s watching!