A LOOK INSIDE THE OUT MUSIC AWARDS 2009

For the first time, I had to the opportunity to attend the Out Music Awards on December 8th, 2009. It was the first time that I had a close and intimate encounter with the countless talented gay folk being given homage for their outstanding music achievements.
The evening began with a Red Carpet segment. Cameras flashing everywhere as the gay and fabulous hit the red carpet for photo ops. The Logo channel graced us with their presence as they interviewed nominees and some of the gay celebrities as they exited the Red Carpet. Although I was among the huge crowd of paparazzi, I also managed to get some pictures on the Red Carpet as well.
After finishing the Red Carpet segment, if you were among the fabulous, we headed into the pre awards show. Again, cameras were all over. This was the room where you could find the hottest magazines media, blog sites’ management and TV crews. I had several interviews, one of which was with GO magazine. The gust of excitement was simply outrageous.
I was a bit shocked when the pre-show didn’t have a microphone available to announce various winning nominees. Amongst all the commotions, the host had to shush people and shout at the top of her lungs to properly ensure that everyone could hear who won different categories. That was messy!
While all of this excitement was happening in the pre-awards, the roaring crowd outside was growing wild. The brisk cold and wind had fans yearning for heat and simply general admission to get in. Hundreds of people huddled to keep warm until they were finally admitted in I really don’t think the staff were prepared for the event to be so huge. Clearly, the staff at Webster Hall wasn’t ready for what the gays were giving them that night. To top of the night, there were so many people, that the VIP area for the awards show was opened to the public. The entire venue was totally packed
Finally, the main show was under way. The hosts of the event was Noah’s Arc’s Rodney Chester, and Kate Clinton. Fans screamed and enjoyed themselves as the various artists graced the stage to perform. R&B gay singing sensation J.R. gave a superb performance of his hit “ Addicted to Boys.” I later had the opportunity to chat with J.R., and in fact, a remix of Addicted to Boys will be released in the near future!
Legendary performer and artist, Kevin Aviance was in attendance and in fact received the Lifetime Achievement award. Although there was speculation of why he should have received the award, I really didn’t see why another would be chosen. Then again, I really don’t know who else could have been. Kevin has been turning it out since I actually came out, so perhaps his award was well deserved. I’m pretty sure that Kevin wasn’t happy when they cut his performance out of the agenda due to time constraints.
Also, there was a tribute to legendary vogue sensation, Willie Ninja. His camp came in and turned it out! I was truly impressed. There was a time when I could vogue, but those days are long gone with my youth. I commend those are older and can still pump!
The night was far from over after the OMA’s were done. Queens, nominees and press hopped in cabs, limos and subways to hit the after party, which was held at Grace Hotel, located in mid-town on 45th street. When I arrived, it was evident that this was going to be a party that wouldn’t be forgotten. First of all, there was a swimming pool in the middle between the two lounges, which had men dressed as fish swimming in the pool. The music was pumping and so was the girlz! The drinks flowed all night as did the interviews. Amongst some of the celebs that were on the scene was Erotic Author, Nathan James, Dating Dwight’s, Dwight Allen O’neil, along with his crew from Christopher Street TV, Noah’s Arcs’, Rodney Chester, Kevin Aviance, Maurice Runea, and a host of others! It was a scene from the movies! Check out some of the pictures and outrageous performances. I simply can’t wait until next year!