Paula Abdul reacts with tears and joy after Meghan Markle uses her iconic 1989 song

Paula Abdul has spoken exclusively with PEOPLE about the wave of emotion she continues to feel over the renewed popularity of her beloved 1988 hit Forever Your Girl, describing daily moments that still move her to tears.

Abdul, 63, made the remarks whilst attending the American Music Awards at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on 25 May.

"I always say I never take anything in my career for granted, and the amount of pinch me moments and tears that from my eyes, it still exists every day," she told PEOPLE. "And it started from the movie People We Meet on Vacation, and then everyone started doing TikToks."

Meghan Markle's anniversary post adds to the emotion

Abdul also revealed that she had noticed Meghan Markle select Forever Your Girl as the soundtrack to an Instagram anniversary post celebrating her marriage to Prince Harry.

On 19 May, Meghan, 44, shared a collection of previously unseen photographs from their wedding, including a striking black-and-white image of the couple in the cloisters of St George's Chapel in Windsor. When she reposted the content to her Instagram Stories, she added the song as its soundtrack.

Abdul described the moment as deeply touching.

"I pinched myself and I was like, 'This is awesome.' Well, it's like I said, you never know. Little gems and moments can come in and just bless your life," she said, describing herself as "tearful."

The pop star also reposted Markle's content to her own Instagram Stories, 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."

The story behind the original song and its iconic video

Forever Your Girl was released as a single in 1989, having first appeared as the title track on Abdul's 1988 debut album. The accompanying music video was directed by David Fincher and featured a young Elijah Wood in a memorable supporting role.

Wood, now 45, recalled the experience on the Happy Sad Confused podcast.

"It was a really pleasant experience. You know, we were — all of the kids were tasked with being adults," he said.

"It was like they were recreating the Robert Palmer video with young kids. And then I don't know where my concept came from, but I was a sort of executive in an office, like, heartbroken, breaking a pencil, you know, with great angst, kind of running my hands through my hair, looking out a window. And [Fincher] was really clear with his direction."

Wood was eight years old at the time of filming.

At the time of the album's release, Abdul held the record for the most successful debut album in history. She was also the first female artist to achieve four number-one singles on the US Billboard Hot 100 from a debut album.

Harry and Meghan's anniversary celebrations

Harry, 41, and Meghan marked the occasion by celebrating alongside their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, four.

The family enjoyed a lemon and elderflower cake, mirroring the flavour profile of the wedding cake created by London bakery owner Claire Ptak.

Harry also presented Meghan with a bronze sculpture of two penguins — a meaningful gift, as bronze is a traditional symbol of strength for eighth wedding anniversaries, and penguins hold a particular sentimental significance for the couple.

"When mama and papa got engaged, we had a party with all of our friends, and we said, 'Everyone wear an animal onesie,'" Meghan told her children. "We were penguins."

British Airways crew's heartfelt gesture touches Meghan

In a separate Instagram post, Meghan shared that she had received a handwritten note from the British Airways crew whilst flying home from Geneva, Switzerland.

The card read: "Dearest Harry and Meghan, Wishing you a wonderful wedding anniversary, With love, The whole British Airways family."

A source close to the Duchess told PEOPLE: "Meghan's flight crew was so lovely on her way back from Geneva. They all came to say happy anniversary and shared their memories of where they were on the day."

"They wrote Harry and Meghan a card and gave them a bottle of champagne and British candies for Harry and the kids," the source continued. "It was very special and so appreciated by Meghan, who wanted to publicly thank them. She was truly so touched."