During the week leading up to Sunday night’s Teen Choice Awards, the parties were sweet … literally. Cupcakes, gumballs and sugar flowed from open candy bars across town for the under-21-oriented week.
But last Monday night, it was still about grown-ups. Ashton Kutcher, Anne Heche and the crew from the grifter-themed “Spread” headed for Katusya after their premiere at the Arclight. One could easily foresee the stars’ close family like Demi Moore, Rumer Willis (pictured with Kutcher) and James Tupper as the most predictable names to join in the celebration, but one “bottom feeder” had a few people scratching their heads. Were Corey Feldman and wife Susie invited or just dining at Katsuya simultaneously on purpose by chance? Turns out the Feldmans were on the list, and so were Corey’s gigantic ski goggle-style sunglasses, his second odd fashion statement this summer. His “costume” at the Michael Jackson memorial was much discussed last month … usually negatively.
As the rehearsals for Thursdays blockbuster “So You Think You Can Dance” finale dragged into the night at the Kodak on Wednesday, “The (Un-Official) Rockin’ Pre-Party for the 2009 Teen Choice Awards” drew officially young talent to the other side of the mall at club Elevate. "High School Musical’s" Kaycee Stroh, Ana Maria Perez ("Fame," "Camp Rock") and Ashley Argota (Nickelodeon’s "True Jackson" VP), were offered bat mitzvah-aged hospitalities: cupcakes, Hawaiian Shaved Ices, a DJ spinning N’Sync and New Kids on the Block and a hosted cookie and soda bar (alcohol avail for purchase). The trickle-down effect of Hollywood’s youth obsession shined brightest. Even teen Hollywood looks over its shoulder, adoring pre-tween guests like Miley Cyrus’ 9-year-old sister Noah, who stole the spotlight. Flush with the same hand signals her sister is known for (pictured below), be advised that the next Cyrus franchise is already in development.
On Thursday, the revolving demographic known as “pregnant Hollywood” came out to support poster child Nicole Richie. The second-time mom-to-be launched her own maternity clothing line with a “mocktail party” and compared bumps with "Scrubs’" Judy Reyes and Tisha Campbell Martin. "Fantastic Four’s" Ioan Gruffudd and his expecting wife Alice Evans waded through the “Kitson for pregnant people,” A Pea in the Pod in Beverly Hills.
It felt a little like Sundance in July on Friday with pre-show gifting suites spreading out around town. "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks fielded repeated questions about Paula Abdul’s abdication (“dumb” on the show’s part), while swagging at the best in class 102.7 KIIS FM lounge at the W Hotel in Westwood. Adam Gregory, Niecy Nash and "Bachelor" host Chris Harrison fielded freebies from all angles, even from celeb peers. DJ AM’s gourmet Rice Krispie treat line “Milk and Crunchies” and MTV stars Vanessa and Angela Simmons’ appropriately sweet toothed-name footwear line “Pastry” were up for grabs. For extra cavity inducement, guests sampled cupcakes frosted with a glamour shot image of Brody Jenner.
Saturday night saw two drastically different main events. The philanthropic DoSomething.Org lured young stars through Hollywood and Highland’s tourist flashbulb madness as Hugh Hefner invited a few hundred people to put on their pajamas and “play house” with him. Which one do you think featured director Brett Ratner? Keep reading.
Young stars like Shenae Grimes, Corbin Bleu and Abigail Breslin rotated mic duty on the roof of the newly arrived Madame Tussaud’s (across from the Roosevelt). The youth heavy social change org’s event honored teens making a difference in their home communities, and abstained from the prevalent candy offerings found elsewhere this week. Full bags of Tostitos and Doritos ruled the buffet instead. DoSomething board member Ratner proudly greeted fans stage side. Inside, several guests auditioned themselves in Abdul’s conspicuously empty seat next to Simon Cowell in the very lifelike "American Idol" replica set.
Meanwhile seven miles to the west, costumed people were at play in Holmby Hills for Playboy’s annual summer staple, the MidSummer’s Night Dream party. Freshly “exes” Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough turned heads, arriving together 24 hours after publically announcing their break-up via a joint Twitter post on Friday night. Apparently ABC’s "Dancing with the Stars’" personalities don’t reach the starpower threshold for a vaunted “drive on” to the mansion, as the duo rode the mandatory shuttle buses with dance pal Mark Ballas alongside civilian guests. Academy Award winners Three Six Mafia performed late at the famed lingerie and pajamas party.
