Celebrity Getting Dressed with Paula Abdul The American Idol judge shows us how she got glam for the Emmys By People Staff Published on September 17, 2007 06:00 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos 01 of 05 ALL EYES ON HER When it comes to getting glammed up for a big event, Paula Abdul has one rule. "Give yourself enough time to get ready to go," she tells PEOPLE. "Start early in the morning!" And she did just that, preparing for the ceremony Sunday at her Sherman Oaks, Calif., home, with help from hairstylist Dennis Dostokely and makeup artist Spencer Barnes – and recording it all on a PEOPLE camera. 02 of 05 FINISHING TOUCHES With her hair and makeup done, Abdul prepares for a big reveal –showing off her glittery, layered Elizabeth Emanuel dress (from the Art of Being label). "It was an absolute honor to have Elizabeth Emanuel design my dress," Abdul says of the designer, who created Princess Diana's wedding dress. "The dress fit me like a glove and I was so happy to be wearing one of her designs." 03 of 05 BACKSEAT DRIVERS Dressed and en route to the Shine Auditorium – where Abdul's show American Idol was nominated for outstanding reality/competition program – Abdul and her beau J.T. Torregiani cozy up in the backseat of their limo. He "is a good guy," she has gushed. 04 of 05 TALKING POINTS Walking the red carpet in her glamorous ensemble, Abdul chats up journalists – like Stryker from The Ellen DeGeneres Show – and takes time to reflect on the evening. "I enjoyed seeing friends that I haven't seen in a while because we all have crazy work schedules," she says of the Emmy scene. "And I love the afterparties – I managed to stop by a few of them!" 05 of 05 LAST LOOK BAUER-GRIFFIN After hitting the press line, Abdul is ready for the awards (hosted by costar Ryan Seacrest) to start – and you can be sure she has her essentials with her. She tells PEOPLE of her tricks to making it through the night: "Always take a powder compact and lip gloss." Then, on with the show!