Party Tidbits: John Mayer Can Wait Outside
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The post-Grammys party hosted by Sony-BMG at the Beverly Hills Hotel doesn't officially start for 20 minutes, but John Mayer is already here.
Three gruff security guys at the head of the stairs that lead down to the ballroom aren't letting Mayer and his peeps in. Yep, Mayer is waiting it out with a couple dozen other people, including Sony execs.
Now, 15 minutes later, he's in.
And did you hear this? I found out Mayer was a jokester on the red carpet again. Last year, he answered a question from Ryan Seacrest about then girlfriend Jessica Simpson in Japanese. This time, when asked about his favorite Grammy moment, he answered, "When Lionel Richie presented with Bob Dylan." Some media types agreed with him.
Ha! That never happened, people.
At this party, there are six VIP cabanas outside, adjacent to the ballroom. Mayer's in one with some peeps from the Biz. In another is Tony Bennett and his wife.
Nearby, the ballroom band is performing a cover of "Rehab."
Brad Paisley is here, too, in a huge white cowboy hat. Brandy just arrived. Aretha Franlkin walks in, just as Jay-Z is leaving. "How you doing tonight, baby?" Franklin asks Jay.
Franklin is now sitting with friends. Forget all the fresh sushi being served—the Queen of Soul has brought her own take-out! She is eating a hot dog smothered in who knows what. Good for her!
She's now a huge draw, attracting everyone from Chris Brown and Tia Carrere to squeeze onto her couch or to just say hello.
—Filed by Marc Malkin
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