Forever young! Paula Abdul, 53, shows off toned legs in metallic shorts after writing emotional essay about 'gentle soul' who helped make her a star 

By Heidi Parker For Dailymail.com

Published: 16:15 EST, 19 October 2015 | Updated: 17:13 EST, 19 October 2015

She has been working in the entertainment industry since the late Eighties when her hit Straight Up hit the airwaves.

Almost 30 years later and Paula Abdul is still in top form. On Monday the 53-year-old American Idol vet looked half her age as she stepped out in New York City showing off her toned legs in a pair of short metallic shorts and sheer black pantyhose.

The same day the So You Think You Can Dance star shared an emotional essay with CNBC about the teachers that helped make her a star. 

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Still in great shape: Paula Abdul showed off her toned legs as she exited her New York City hotel on Monday, the same day she shared an essay about arts in education with CNBC

Still in great shape: Paula Abdul showed off her toned legs as she exited her New York City hotel on Monday, the same day she shared an essay about arts in education with CNBC

The Forever Your Girl hit maker also had on a black top, long black coat - which she wore open to expose her gams - and platform pointy pumps that added at least seven inches to her petite 5ft frame.

To prove she is up to speed with trends, the Rush Rush crooner carried a large Chanel purse and had on Jenny From The Block style gold hoop earrings.

Abdul had her hair nicely styled in soft barrel curls and she was carrying a coffee-to-go in her manicured hands.

A fresh look: The 53-year-old American Idol vet wore a pair of short shorts and sheer black pantyhose with platform heels that added seven inches to her petite 5ft frame

A fresh look: The 53-year-old American Idol vet wore a pair of short shorts and sheer black pantyhose with platform heels that added seven inches to her petite 5ft frame

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The longtime friend of her former Idol co-star Simon Cowell is, interestingly, staying at the same hotel that Jennifer Aniston was calling home last week.

Paula's essay for CNBC was about supporting the arts in school.

It began, 'I loved my teachers at Van Nuys Junior and Van Nuys High School in Los Angeles — especially in the music department where they taught me discipline and creativity. I vividly recall many of the life lessons I learned in school.'

Her fight: Also on Monday, Paula wrote an essay supporting the arts in school. CNBC posted her essay. 'I loved my teachers at Van Nuys Junior and Van Nuys High School in Los Angeles — especially in the music department where they taught me discipline and creativity,' she began

Her fight: Also on Monday, Paula wrote an essay supporting the arts in school. CNBC posted her essay. 'I loved my teachers at Van Nuys Junior and Van Nuys High School in Los Angeles — especially in the music department where they taught me discipline and creativity,' she began

She went on to write: 'Ms. St. Jean taught music, choir, and square dancing in grade school. Mr. Pontrelli was my orchestra teacher in junior high, a gentle soul who quietly commanded a huge group of aspiring musicians
She went on to write: 'Ms. St. Jean taught music, choir, and square dancing in grade school. Mr. Pontrelli was my orchestra teacher in junior high, a gentle soul who quietly commanded a huge group of aspiring musicians

Her mentor: She went on to write: 'Ms. St. Jean taught music, choir, and square dancing in grade school. Mr. Pontrelli was my orchestra teacher in junior high, a gentle soul who quietly commanded a huge group of aspiring musicians'

She went on to write: 'Ms. St. Jean taught music, choir, and square dancing in grade school. Mr. Pontrelli was my orchestra teacher in junior high, a gentle soul who quietly commanded a huge group of aspiring musicians. Mr. Seymour, who taught drama, speech and debate, always stretched us beyond our comfort zone.'

Paula added, 'Ms. Alma Marshall, who headed up the dance and cheerleading department in high school, taught me routines I can still remember.'

The Spellbound singer argued, 'Decades of research have shown that the arts can help students to succeed in school, and in life. Low-income students with high arts participation are five times less likely to drop out of school, four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, and twice as likely to graduate from college as their peers who have received little to no arts education, according to Americans for the Arts.

A lot to say: The Spellbound singer argued, 'Decades of research have shown that the arts can help students to succeed in school, and in life. Low-income students with high arts participation are five times less likely to drop out of school, according to Americans for the Arts'

A lot to say: The Spellbound singer argued, 'Decades of research have shown that the arts can help students to succeed in school, and in life. Low-income students with high arts participation are five times less likely to drop out of school, according to Americans for the Arts'

Helping those with less: The beauty made a point when she said, 'The arts have proven to be an effective learning tool for low-income minority students'

Helping those with less: The beauty made a point when she said, 'The arts have proven to be an effective learning tool for low-income minority students'

'The arts have proven to be an effective learning tool for low-income minority students, helping with language acquisition and catering to different learning styles.'

Paula was supporting Turnaround Arts, a program founded by the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH), which delivers arts education resources to high-need schools as a strategy to address broader school challenges.

'My involvement with the program as the Turnaround artist working with students at P.S. 165 Ida Posner in Brooklyn has furthered my belief in the power of arts and music. (Hint: The arts are much more than just fun!).'

She cares: The Fox vet then wrote: 'Strong arts programs in schools not only lead to an increase in student test scores and higher academic achievement, but also improve the school's climate and culture'

She cares: The Fox vet then wrote: 'Strong arts programs in schools not only lead to an increase in student test scores and higher academic achievement, but also improve the school's climate and culture'

The Fox vet then wrote: 'Strong arts programs in schools not only lead to an increase in student test scores and higher academic achievement, but also improve the school's climate and culture.'

Abdul ended on an emotional note: 'I believe that every child deserves to go to school in an environment full of learning, creativity and joy, and to graduate high school with a rich, complete education.

'With the Elementary and Secondary Education Act currently up for reauthorization, and the arts and music as core subjects again in question, it is crucial to get the word out that the arts are an integral part of a whole, well-rounded education, not an afterthought.

Pretty in purple: The brunette was last seen in West Hollywood leaving Craig's. The icon was put together in a pretty purple dress with a plunging neckline

Pretty in purple: The brunette was last seen in West Hollywood leaving Craig's. The icon was put together in a pretty purple dress with a plunging neckline

'Those making these important decisions for our kids, must be reminded that even the country's most challenged schools can and should be transformed into places where we would all want to send our own children.' 

The brunette was last seen in West Hollywood leaving Craig's. And the former pop star looked like she had a great time at the trendy restaurant as her hair was a bit in disarray. Still, the icon was put together in a pretty purple dress with a plunging neckline.

She recently wrapped her first season as a judge on So You Think you Can Dance with Nigel Lythgoe and Jason Derulo. And she is filming the movie Move. 

Her note: The artist shared this Instagram message last week about 'faith'

Her note: The artist shared this Instagram message last week about 'faith'

 

 

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