Backstage at the Z100 Jingle Ball

Every year the morning after the Z100 Jingle Ball, I wake up thinking, "Did that all really happen?!" Seeing all these amazing performers up close just seems so surreal! And this year was no exception.

As soon as Cheryl and I got there, we saw two American Idol alumni�Constantine Maroulis and Mario Vazquez hanging out backstage and chatting with fans�so nice! While we were waiting for the Pussycat Dolls (who were the sweetest girls ever�check out Cheryl's Daily Kiss!), we literally saw stars everywhere we turned: Amy Lee of Evanescence was absolutely flawless-looking in person, JoJo looked like she had grown a few inches taller (and had on this totally cute colorful outfit that I wanted to steal!), The Fray were just so low-key and adorable, and The Killers seemed like the most normal cool guys who you'd want to be your big brothers. And we even caught a glimpse of the legendary Bon Jovi (whose hair was bigger and blonder than ever!)

When Brooke Hogan walked in, she looked absolutely gorgeous (and tall!), but just as I was about to say something to her, I saw her dad, Hulk Hogan, right behind her�and I'll admit it�I kinda freaked out! That guy has an intimidating presence! But I caught up with Brooke later on who said she's been having such a great time blogging for cosmogirl.com, and did a video shout out (check out our MySpace page for it soon!) We also ran into our old pals Cartel (don't you just love their video for "Honestly"?!) who totally remembered they had visited the CG! offices a few weeks ago and hung out in our Café. Lead singer Will Pugh also made a video message for you guys.

Even though she had a million things to do, Rihanna took the time to chat and share her thoughts on the night just for you CG!s. I asked her what surprised her the most about this year's Jingle Ball and she immediately said, "I didn't expect so many people in the audience�but I love that! I was a little nervous before I started, but it was just incredible." She went on to say what she loves about Jingle Ball is "getting to perform onstage and getting to chill with all the other artists like the Pussycat Dolls."

One of the night's highlights in the On3 Productions H&M Artist Gift Lounge was when Nick Lachey came in and started walking towards the table for HairDo Clip-In Extensions by Jessica Simpson. Once he saw his ex's face, he quickly averted and was like, uh, I don't think so! Classic!

Oh, that's right�there was a concert too, huh? ;) Rihanna absolutely ruled the stage especially with "S.O.S," the whole audience sang along to the swoon-worthy songs of Nick Lachey, Nelly Furtado rocked the whole stadium with "Promiscuous," and Latin sensation RBD headlined the night (they were like PCD, but with three guys!).

Z100 sure knows how to throw a holiday party! Check out cosmogirl.com next week for our exclusive photo diary with the Pussycat Dolls in the gift lounge.

Which of these acts do you love�and which ones do you not like? Let us know!

Can't wait to hear from you!
Rachel / Entertainment Editor