The MTV Video Music Awards' weeknight timing didn't seem to bother the 6,000-strong crowd of celebrities and seat-fillers who poured out of Radio City Music Hall last night shortly after 11:30 p.m., looking for a party. Lucky for them there was a variety of happenings around town Sunday night, from private label-hosted dinners to five-hour marathons at clubs—most of which Jay-Z managed to squeeze in. At this year's festivities, the focus was squarely on the guest list, with little in the way of decor or production extras.
Festivities kicked off with an after-party hosted by the awards' reigning couple, performers and nominees Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Their Asics-sponsored party was held at Jay-Z's own 40/40 Club. Immediately following the show, several hundred arrived at the Flatiron district venue, which had a Grey Goose bar and featured cast members from MTV's The Hills on the red carpet.
Jay-Z didn't stay at his club for too long, though, because he moved to Chelsea's 1Oak for a combination V.M.A. after-party and record release for his new album, The Blueprint 3, which came out on Friday. Joining the host at one of the intimate venue's V.I.P. tables were Justin Timberlake and Rihanna, who also attended the Asics party.
At nearby Avenue, Lady Gaga and her label Interscope Records hosted the night's latest-running party, which didn't end until police reportedly asked they close up at 4:00 a.m. On hand for the all-night affair were V.M.A. host Russell Brand, Keri Hilson, Mickey Rourke, and Lady Gaga herself.
On the east side, Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz hosted a party at his bar, Angels & Kings, with help from sponsor CK Free. The new Calvin Klein fragrance parked a vintage car in front of the step-and-repeat, and sponsors Arizona Tea and Hornitos tequila hosted the bar.
One loosely related after-party, hosted by In Touch Weekly, was the Icons and Idols Celebration at Park Avenue's St. Bart's Cathedral. A mix of celebrities such as Gerard Butler and reality personalities like Jon Gosselin, the event hosted one of the night's most eclectic red carpets—and for the V.M.A.s, that's saying something.
Boozy parties weren't the only thing on tap, though. A more subdued, food-focused celebration took place at the Waverly Inn, where Epic Records songwriter Amanda Ghost hosted a small dinner. Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, and Shakira were among the A-list crowd who dined with Ghost.
Correction: The original story incorrectly identified the event at the 40/40 Club as MTV's official V.M.A. after-party, when MTV did not sponsor an official after-party this year.
