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I was bumped, pushed, yelled at and hit over the head. No I wasn't mugged. I got caught up in the red carpet media frenzy at the Grammy party last week at the W Downtown. 

It was fabulous, by the way!

Big Boi

,

B.o.B

., members of the

Zac Brown Band

,

Kelly Price

and

Janelle Monae

were just a number of major hitters being celebrated and honored for their Grammy noms.

Endless smiles, bling for days and tons of flash photography culminated into an insanely fierce hour of red carpet arrivals and interviews.

Soon after I got to the W, I experienced a little drama myself. I started taking photos only to discover my camera's battery was low, very low! My savior,

Erin Ashford

, came to the rescue and graciously provided all the photos I needed. I've been a fan of Erin's photography and I am just so grateful to her! I was calm again.

The time had come for the ceremony to begin but everyone was still on the red carpet or socializing near the bar. So,

Jamie Annarino

, with as much finesse as possible, encouraged folks to work their way into the banquet room. When Jamie speaks - people listen, because one by one, everyone went in and took their seats.

I stood in the back, next to

Jennifer Brett

in a fabulous fur stole and

Jenn Hobby

in a sexy black dress. We listened as Senior Executive Director

Michele Rhea Caplinger

greeted the audience followed by President

Tammy Hurt

who sang (pardon the pun) the praises of the nominees. Hurt proudly pointed out that Georgia has become force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

 "MUSIQ SOULCHILD. Giving an interview to V103's Rashan Ali."

 BIG BOI. I loved his Gucci fur scarf. Not picutred, 3 huge David Yurman bangle bracelets. I wanted those too!"]

 Nominated for four Grammys, ZAC BROWN members, Coy Boyles and John Driscall.  

 Excited about her Grammy nomination, but remaining cool was JANELLE MONAE. Cool and looking flawless!"]

 JENNIFER BRETT & MICHELE RHEA CAPLINGER"]

The AJC Buzz herself,

Jennifer Brett

caught in a rare picture sharing the love with

Michele Rhea Caplinger

moments before the red carpet got crazy busy.

At the end of the night, I had a couple of questions for Michele, who, by the way, was looking radiant in a sophisticated tuxedo dress from

Tootsies

where she's been outfitted for Grammy's week as well. [Michele will be high styling in LA!] I wanted to know what the evening meant to her and why it was so important.

Michele replied:

"That party in particular is our way to tell the Georgia nominees how much we value them and to wish them luck GRAMMY day.... It's a great opportunity to help shine the light on them - which is why the red carpet and media hour is so important."

What is Michele's favorite part of the event?

"Bringing the artists up on stage and gifting them - it's such a rare treat - always!!!"

The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards is on February 13 and will air live from the Staple Center on CBS.

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