Debbie Gibson celebrates her 50th birthday by sharing some advice for her younger self

Time sure flies, even for this Electric Youth hitmaker.

Unbelievably, 80s pop icon Debbie Gibson turned 50 on Monday, and to mark the occasion the chart-topper shared some advice she would tell herself at a younger age if given the chance.

In an exclusive interview with People Magazine, the Foolish Beat hitmaker discussed three major points she considers key to living a happier, more fulfilled life.   

‘If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to worry less and enjoy more,’ Gibson said.

‘I always was a perfectionist to a fault, especially in preparing for live shows. As I’ve evolved, I’ve learned what we consider the imperfections are actually what make us unique and what makes a one-of-a-kind live performance!’

In addition to taking the pop music scene by storm in the late 80s and early 90s – and becoming the youngest-ever female to write, produce and perform a No. 1 single with Foolish Beat – Debbie has also enjoyed a career as an actress on the Broadway musical stage. 

‘Always trust your instincts,’ the Shake Your Love songstress shared as her second piece of advice. 

‘Follow them in music, in love and in health. Nobody knows what’s best for you better than you!’

And lastly, Debbie mentioned the importance of truthfulness in life.

‘Don’t cheat at Pictionary,’ she joked. ‘You know you’re a bad liar and will end up confessing and blowing it for the whole team!’

In 1987, an up-and-coming 16-year-old girl from Long Island, New York came Out of the Blue with her debut pop album, and it hit big around the world, going platinum five times over and spawning five hit singles.

Her sophomore album two years later, Electric Youth, was also a huge hit, giving way to three hit singles including the chart-topping Lost in Your Eyes – which spent three weeks at No. 1.

The performer then transitioned to Broadway in musicals like Beauty And The Beast as well as several television roles in the 90s and beyond.

She’s enjoyed some high profile guest spots as well, like when she played Katy Perry’s mom in the music video for Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) in 2011.

There were also her roles in Sharknado-style B movies Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus, Mega Python vs. Gatoroid, and Mega Shark vs. Mecha Shark, in 2009, 2011 and 2014, respectively. 

Up next, Gibson will appear on TV series Lucifer, on a musical episode.