When the invitation from Clive Davis arrived, the buzz began. Dressed in black and wearing a bow tie, the giant box had “The Tradition Continues …” emblazoned in gold type. Inside, the glass-enclosed message was clear: black tie was the name of the game and “Yes, the entertainment will be serious!”
The Regent Wall Street was in lock-down mode and even the best of the best were screened by metal detectors and bomb-sniffing dogs. (Hey, it’s better than facing those nasty critics!) Only when the guards gave the thumbs-up were A-listers allowed to enter the Greek Revival ballroom with its 80-foot domed ceiling and towering columns. Truly, with Clive, the sky’s hardly the limit (sponsor NetJets should know!). The over-the-top evening was attended by the who’s who in media, finance and rock n’ roll. The saucy soiree even managed to upstage the Grammys.
The bash featured the hottest songsters of today in three fab acts, the first showcasing new talented protégés Gavin DeGraw, Heather Headley (of Aida fame), and the swooning crooner Tyrese, accompanied on guitar by Guns N’ Roses’ alum Slash. Act two featured seasoned pros, jump-started by a dapper Rod Stewart, gussied up in white tie and tails. He bowled everyone over with two selections from his new CD, “These Foolish Things” and “The Way You Look Tonight” (which he should’ve dedicated to sexy girlfriend Penny Lancaster who practically broke necks with her head-turning lace-up Dolce & Gabbana dress). The show continued with a duet of “Havin’ a Party” by Rod and art-house rocker Lou Reed, though “party” seemed a bit of an understatement for the stunning affair. The act wouldn’t have been complete without teen heartthrob Justin Timberlake’s controversial “Cry Me a River” (is it about Britney?). But before anyone had the chance to shed a tear, in came the divas of act three. Iconic Aretha Franklin sang her heart out with “It’s My Turn.” (And by the way her dress was cut, other body parts decided it was their turn to shine too.) Alicia Keys took the stage next to the Queen of Soul and jammed out the finale, “Think.”
Wall Street has never seen such a wild ride. Red carpet reporters were falling over themselves to catch some hot sound bites. Take CBS’s Robyn Carter; she was pleased as punch while interviewing Clive’s opening act Gavin—that is until Rod Stewart showed. Carter dropped the rookie-rocker like a lead balloon, leaving the guy in mid-sentence. Guess that could be billed as ‘paying your dues.’ The Osborne family bonded with Howard Stern over their shared love of bulldogs. Howard flattered us, gushing, “I read The Hampton Sheet all the time! I love it!” Maybe that’s why he’s thinking of buying the house he’s been renting in Amagansett. On the other hand, The Sheet caught music promoter Ron Delsener throwing spitballs at EMI Chairman Martin Bandier … guess boys will be boys!
We caught up with newly separated Kim Cattrall, who told us she thinks the Hamptons are the cat’s meow all year ‘round, stating, “I’m not going to let a little snow stop me from going.” That’s the spirit, put those snow bunny boots to good use! But what about P. Diddy’s Hamptons plans for the upcoming summer scene; will he be keeping it low-key like last year? “It depends on my vibe,” he coolly quipped, “and the energy around me.” OK, Diddy, we feel you. One more scoop to report, readers: Kid Rock had another woman at his side–Faye Dunaway, not buxom squeeze Pam Anderson. So are the Kid and the actress now an item? “Yeah! Start that rumor,” the witty “Cowboy” retorted. (Oh Kid we’ll certainly try!) “The truth is Pammy and I couldn’t get a babysitter.” Now that’s gettin’ real. The star-studded extravaganza buzzed throughout the evening. Go Clive!
