How to Attend Award Shows

Where else can you see Rihanna and Britney Spears on the same stage but at an awards show.

Attending award shows have gotten easier and easier. The American Music Awards and the Billboard Awards are two award shows that offer tickets to the public. Recently the BET Awards entered the arena of offering tickets to the public. And, there are a few others as well. Only at an televised awards show will you get Rihanna and Britney Spears on the same stage. How about seeing Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira, Eminem, Black Eyed peas, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Lopez, Jay-z with Alicia Keys, and more all on stage in one evening?

We captured the following video of Whitney Houston, during the American Music Awards, performing and accepting the International Artist Award being presented by Samuel Jackson. You will only get this at an awards show. I beg your forgiveness in advance for all of my hoopin’ and hollerin’. 🙂
[youtube]http://youtu.be/rvzROjM2ads[/youtube]

I love attending award shows for a variety of reasons. But, the number one thing is being up close and personal to the artists. With VIP packages you can get red carpet access, orchestra and floor level seats, special access lines, and VIP lounge area, a commemorative booklet, and tickets to an after party. What’s not to love about VIP? I love everything VIP. However, if you can’t do VIP that doesn’t make the experience any less fabulous. You’ll still have blast.

Fergie and Will.i.am at Billboard Music Awards

An awards show crowed is always hyped. Why? Because they’re instructed to be by the producers before the show starts. This instruction does not stop it from being contagious, and the crowd becomes genuinely energized. Then there are the performances. Unlike concerts there are no late performances, everything is choreographed to the minute. You only see artist perform one song, but when you’re seeing 10+ acts, performing their hit/s, that’s all you need.

Beyonce accepting the Billboard Millenium Award during the 2011 Billboard Music Awards.

Unless you live near Los Angeles, or in some cases (such as with the Billboards) Las Vegas, you’re going to have to travel to attend the show. This is another thing I love about an awards show. I get the opportunity to turn a simple show into a fabulous couple’s/weekend getaway. Make the weekend VIP by renting a fabulous dream car and staying in a luxury hotel. If you fly into Vegas, you can skip the rental, and have a limousine pick you up from baggage claim.

The view from The Viceroy in Santa Monica. This hotel has a fabulous vibe, a killer Sunday brunch, poolside cabanas, and gorgeous people.

When staying in L.A. I recommend  The Viceroy in Santa Monica. Santa Monica is about a 20 – 30 minute drive, depending on traffic, from Nokia Live and the Staples Center (where a few of the shows are held). However, when you’re making a weekend of it, it’s better to stay at a great location with a view, near the beach. In Las Vegas, my favorite hotel is the Wynn for luxury. For location the Aria Las Vegas is my go to choice since it’s located across from the MGM grand, and near Caesar’s where a lot of shows and concerts are held.

Let’s talk outfits. If you’re seated in the orchestra seats, dress to impress, as you might end up on television. No need to go over the top, but you want to look like you belong there, that’s part of doing it right.  Also, VIP tickets often include tickets to an after party, another reason to dress to impress, trendy and fashionable is what you’re aiming for. 🙂

Roland and I at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards, held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

In summary, if you’re going to attend an awards show, do it up in style. It’s a big night for celebrities, make it a big night for yourselves as well. It’s exciting to sit near the action (up close on the floor level), and you never know who you’re going to see.

Roland and Terri at the 2009 American Music Awards. This was our first awards show. We did it VIP, and after that, we were hooked. 🙂

So, how do you attend an award’s show fabulously, and on a budget?

#1) Plan as early as possible. Award shows typically occur the same time every year. For example the AMA’s are always in November in L.A., and the Billboard Award’s are typically in May in Vegas. By planning in as far in advance as possible, you can plan your monies. If you got VIP or not, your greatest expense will probably be your tickets, so start saving.

#2) Set up alerts on Ticketmaster to alert you to when tickets go on-sale. The earlier you purchase the tickets the better your chance for getting the seats you want. VIP tickets are limited so you want to purchase those as soon as possible. And, if you can’t go VIP, you want to get the best offerings in your price range. There is nothing fabulous about the back row. 🙂

#3) Compare rental car agencies for the best price. Some agencies will charge you mileage on premium/luxury cars, watch out for this fee, and shop around. Once you’ve reserved your car. Keep checking back for specials and better pricing. I’ve often gotten a better price by continuing to check the rates.

#4) If you have to cut back somewhere, if possible, don’t cut back on the award show tickets. I say skimp on the new outfit. If you already have something in your closet you can wear, work that. If you want to make it feel new, update it with new accessories. If you need to cut back even more, I’d then start with the rental car, then I’d look at the hotel.

#5) The best prices for airfare is about 5-weeks out from departure date. You can compare fares on sites like Kayak. If you’re within a 5-hour drive of show location, I say make it a road trip.

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