The Warner Music Group post-Grammy party arrivals proved to be eclectic if nothing else. From ZZ Top to rapper Twista, musicians from all genres and generations came to mingle and celebrate this year’s 47th annual Grammy Awards.
The party was held at West Hollywood’s Pacific Design Center, where party-planner and lifestyle guru to the stars Lulu Powers transformed the posh Astra West into the hottest Grammy party of the night. Guests ranging from Green Day and the label’s top man Edgar Bronfman, Jr., took in a musical performance from the performance art ensemble String Theory. And like any good music biz bash, there were a few vice-minded indulgences: The Cuban Cigar factory was on hand to roll freshly made cigars, while cigarette girls roamed the party while guests lounged on white fur ottomans.
Mandy Moore looked absolutely stunning in a vintage dress, and admitted her only vice “is shopping.” She was also very happy Scrubs star Zach Braff won a Grammy for producing the soundtrack to his hit indie film Garden State. “He’s awesome,” Mandy enthused, “and it’s such a great soundtrack.”
Zach, who wore his lucky sweatshirt under his Prada suit, didn’t walk the red carpet with speculated sweetie Mandy–but with a pal instead. When asked what his favorite Grammy moment was, Zach pronounced it to be Grammy-winner Usher. “I think everyone will be talking about Usher and his performance–when he hit this trampoline and did a flip,” offered Zach.
Past Grammy nominee Eric Benet said he was very glad “his boy” Usher was up for so many nominations–and Eric would know about Grammy nominations, although he reluctantly admitted he has never actually attended a Grammy ceremony.
Michelle Branch, meanwhile, told Hollywood.com her favorite Grammy moment was Maroon 5’s performance. Also rooting for the Best New Artist winner was the ever-so-subtle Triumph the Insult Comic Dog from Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Triumph, whose Come Poop With Me was nominated for Best Comic Album, admitted, “I’ve been rooting for Maroon 5, and it’s exciting because, I get to say that I saw Maroon 5 before they went back to Wendy’s as short order cooks.”
Best Country Duo nominees Big and Rich said the highlight of their Grammy night was seeing their old friend, Best Female Country Performance winner Gretchen Wilson singing “FreeBird” with Lynyrd Skynyrd. “Gretchen went from bringing us beer in our favorite bar in Nashville to being on stage at the Grammys,” Big and Rich’s John Rich said.
But multiple Grammy-winning songwriting Dianne Warren said that while a nomination “is an honor and a great recognition,” the music is what really matters.
Up-and-coming young singer Bonnie McKee walked the red carpet with the poise and style of a superstar. McKee, who recently made her national live TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live, said she was rooting for Green Day because producer Rob Cavallo oversaw both her and the group’s records. When asked what the best beauty secret her mom passed down to her was, she replied: “Lots of love.”
Legendary guitarist and first-time Grammy attendee Jimmy Page said he thoroughly enjoyed the Grammys: “I thought it was amazing as a show, the production of it, the quality of it, and talent that was on it, it was a real pleasure to be there.”
Matchbox Twenty’s frontman Rob Thomas, who made a late arrival with his beautiful wife Marisol, admitted he didn’t have any big romantic plans set for Valentine’s Day. “I’m actually working, I’ll be doing international press phone interviews all day.” But Marisol quickly chimed in, “But after that we will get away for a nice dinner.”
