I wouldn’t say I get starstruck easily but there are a
handful of celebrities I really admire and respect – maybe because I love their
work, or I’ve been impressed by an interview or because they just seem like
genuinely nice people.
Thanks to my job, I’ve been lucky enough to meet a few of
the people on my shortlist. Julie Andrews, Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy!), Woody Harrelson.
It’s super exciting to meet one of my celebrity crushes, obviously, but for the most part, I’ve
always managed to maintain my composure and stay cool.
Not this time. No, definitely not this time.
When I stepped off the plane in Miami for the world premiere
of Rio 2, the new animated movie from 20th Century Fox, there was so much to take in. The gorgeous weather, bright colors
everywhere – it felt like another world! We were staying at the unbelievably
beautiful Fontainebleau hotel, which is on the oceanfront in South Beach.
Seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever stayed at a nicer hotel. The architecture, the rooms, the FOOD. According to the brochure , they have 11 pools… full disclosure, I was only manage to locate 8 but ohmygod they were amazing. I felt like I was in a fancy music video, or Vegas but without all the cigarette smoke and strippers.
Anyway, after checking in, I was whisked off to see a screening of Rio 2. I can’t give away any spoilers but it was adorable and the soundtrack has been on repeat in my car ever since I got home.
Rich with grandeur, character, color and music, RIO 2 finds Jewel (Anne
Hathaway), Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) and their three kids leaving their
domesticated life in that magical city for a journey to the Amazon. They
encounter a menagerie of characters who are born to be wild, voiced by
Oscar nominee Andy Garcia, Oscar/Emmy/Tony-winner Rita Moreno, Grammy
winner Bruno Mars, and Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth. Directed by Carlos Saldanha.
When we got back to the hotel, the “blue” carpet was all set up (get it? Like Blu in the movie? And the FountaineBLEAU?) and it was time to meet the stars of the film!
Anne Hathaway looked beautiful in a vibrant purple and red dress.
Tracy Morgan and Jamie Foxx competed for the “Cutest Dad” award, both bringing their kids as their dates.
And then.. it happened.
I spotted KRISTIN CHENOWETH and basically lost my mind.
To back up, when I mentioned my list of celebrities I absolutely love, Kristin Chenoweth is second only to Sir Patrick Stewart. I saw Wicked back in high school and it changed my life. I listened to the soundtrack so many times that my college roommates actually had to hide it just to get some piece and quiet. And remember when she pulled that girl up on stage at the Hollywood Bowl? I can’t. I can’t even, I just love her too much.
So naturally, when I saw her on the blue carpet, my immediate reaction was to scream, turn hot pink, and hyperventilate.
Because she is Kristin Chenoweth, and by that I mean, obviously amazing, she took the time to stop and talk with fans as well as the hotshot entertainment reporters. As she made her way down the carpet, I started chatting with the teenage girl next to me, who explained that she was having a hard time in school and Kristin Chenoweth inspired her to ignore the haters and be true to herself.
And then she was right there! Behind us! OMG! The girl told her how much she loved her and asked to take a picture but her camera wasn’t working. So I took a pic for her:
(Very proud of myself for being a mature adult and not pushing her out of the way.)
Then I told Kristin that I loved her! And she smiled and waved at me! So we’re obviously best friends forever. It was totally a moment.
The rest of the night was a blast. It was Rio in Miami and theme was a Brazilian carnival complete with dancers, music and a special concert featuring Janelle Monae and Ester Dean. We even watched as 20th Century Fox and Rio 2 set the Guinness World Record for the largest Samba Dance ever performed!
In conclusion, the movie was great, the party was tons of fun and I got to meet Kristin Chenoweth.
And as if things could get any better, I actually had the chance to interview K. Chen, along with the film’s other stars, later in the trip. Stay tuned – we’ll be sharing the interviews in the next few days!
Rio 2 arrives in theaters everywhere on April 11. You can check out the trailer below:
