week 3

I had to leave work early because I was covering an event at the Apollo theater and press check-in was at 5 (of course they always say 5 and it ends up being 5:30). I was okay with leaving the office a little early because the freelance copy editors come in on Mondays and usually use our computers. When I got to Harlem, I got a little turned around trying to find the place but eventually made my way to where all of the press was waiting. I met some young reporters from People (the enemy) and New York Magazine, and they were really nice. The guy who worked at NYMag said he was an intern at Us a few years ago, but they did not let him do any reporting like we have been able to do. 

When the arrivals finally started I was happy, even though most of the people I wanted to talk to were probably not going to come until the end. Most of the publicists told the celebrities to group all of the print reporters together and answer all of our questions at one time, which became quite annoying, but it is part of the job. There was a reporter standing next to me from cosmovision...? and she was not even on the press list originally. I was getting annoyed with her because when she asked questions she would always say "Mr. Stevie Wonder" or "Mr. Spike Lee" and drag out her words (I think she loved to hear herself talk). When using correct AP you don't use titles like that, but whatever. Most people only wanted to talk about Stevie Wonder, who was being honored last night, and most of the celebrities I talked to would probably not be in Us. I talked to Spike Lee, Sinbad, Wyclef Jean, Gabourey Sidibe (from "Precious"), Yolanda Adams (she was probably 2.5 feet taller than me), Reverend Al Sharpton, Anika Noni Rose (singer), Sherri Shepherd (from "The View") and Melanie Fiona (a singer who was performing last night). I think they will probably only use, if they use anything at all, stuff from Sherri, Melanie Fiona and Gabourey. Gayle King, Oprah's BFF, was supposed to be there, but she didn't walk the red carpet and I didn't see her. Stevie Wonder did come out to the red carpet to take some photos right before the event started, but he was not doing interviews. It was a really good experience and I'm glad I go to see Harlem because I was just telling Katy I wanted to go (once is enough). After the red carpet was over, I took the train home, had dinner, transcribed my interviews (it took me three hours), sent in my report and went to bed. Side note: I find it kind of funny I have only been covering rap and R&B events as a 5 foot 3, little, white girl. 

Today, I am going to the Cooking Channel's first birthday and Rachel Ray and a few other chefs are going to be there. It is in Chelsea, which is another part of Manhattan I haven't been to yet, and I am excited to meet and talk to Rachel. There is also gelato being served! I'll let you know how it goes later tonight!

The Apollo Theater in Harlem