Parties You Will Never Get Into

There is more to the 2008 Teen Choice Awards than meets the eye. A day before the ceremonies at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal Studios, the show’s pre-party honored a less-than-famous set.

On August 2, 2008, Tinseltown’s teen circuit took a backseat to far more obscure contemporaries in the Do Something Awards Pre-Party for Teen Choice. Formerly called the BR!CK Awards, the Do Something Awards, which is older than the show itself, has recognized young non-celebrities who have made a difference in their communities.

“Too Little Too Late” singer JoJo hosted the plush pre-party, which named the awards’ nine nominees. As determined by voting on the Internet, these do-gooders took home $10,000 for their efforts. The nominees, who were no older than 25, included 16-year old Dallas Jessup, a martial artist teaching self-defense to girls; and 18-year old Zander Srodes, who works for the conservation of sea turtles.

At the pre-party venue, Hollywood hotspot Level 3, the youngsters got to rub elbows with The Hills starlets Lauren Conrad and Lo Bosworth, former ‘N Sync member JC Chasez, House’s Olivia Wilde, Saved by the Bell’s Elizabeth Berkeley, girl band Danity Kane, and Cole and Dylan Sprouse from The Suite Life. The youngsters also watched Lil’ Mama, Jesse McCartney, Varsity Fan Club, and some of America’s Best Dance Crews perform.

During the Teen Choice Award ceremonies, actress Scarlett Johansson awarded 19-year old Chad Bullock with a Teen Choice surfboard and $100,000 in grant.

Chad Bullock hails from Durham, North Carolina. Since his grandfather died of a smoking-related disease, Bullock has vowed to discourage Americans from smoking. At one point, he mobilized 15,000 youngsters to rid Durham Bulls Athletic Park of smokers.

Pre-party attendee and TV Female Reality Star awardee Lauren Conrad she gave her award to Pat Pedraja, a nominee battling leukemia. She also stocked an iPod Touch with her favorite songs and gave the gadget to Pedraja.

Pedraja talked to Conrad during the pre-party. The teenager was nominated for his work driving across the US in search of bone marrow donors.

Around 32 million votes were cast in this year’s Teen Choice Awards, the bulk of which went to the sensational Jonas Brothers, Disney pop princess Miley Cyrus, and risqué teen soap Gossip Girl.

Disney’s young celebrity entertainer Miley Cyrus turned sweet sixteen unlike any other Disney baby — by shutting down Disneyland in Anaheim, California for an exclusive party.

The Miley Cyrus bash was cordoned off to the general public except for those who bought the tickets. Roughly 5,000 well-wishers who purchased $250 tickets walked the purple carpet to “The Happiest Place On Earth.”

Hannah Montana’s phenomenal star treated her fans to a four-song concert, performing chart-topping ditties like “7 Things,” “Breakout,” and “G.N.O.” Dressed in a vest with “Sweet 16″ emblazoned on the rear and a white ruffled skirt, Cyrus belted some of her signature tunes while sailing adrift the Rivers of America.

Miley’s father, Billy Ray Cyrus, was no less the opening act. With daughter, Dad crooned a duet of his signature song “Achy Breaky Heart.” Miley’s sister Brandi and “love interest” Justin Gaston was on hand to finish the song with them.

Even though Billy Ray told his daughter to “Buckle up!” that night, hinting a car for a gift, Miley received a puppy, which was a cross-breed of a poodle and a Maltese.

Miley also got presents from well-wishers other than her parents. One gift-giver was Camp Rock star Demi Lovato, who gave her a necklace from Tiffany’s. The gesture somehow quelled rumors of a rift between the two.

Revelers included Hannah Montana workmates Emily Osment and Cody Linley. Adding more star wattage to the park were Jennifer Love Hewitt, Steve Carell, Jennie Garth, Cindy Crawford, and Heather Locklear. Model Tyra Banks acted as the bash’s gracious stage host, while American Idol runner-up David Archuleta rode Space Mountain.

Ten Youth Service of America volunteers were handpicked to party with Miss Hannah Montana. Later, the YSA volunteers went home with a $1 million donation from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, courtesy of Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger.

While Miley Cyrus was truly the main attraction, theme park rides like Big Thunder Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean were the crowd-pleasing diversions. Partygoers also enjoyed several party zones which offered, among others, makeovers and a preview of the Ultimate Band, Disney Interactive Studios’ newest gaming craze.

Capping the celebration was the lighting of the sky above the Sleeping Beauty Castle with 16 humongous inflatable candles. On the ground, the celebrator blew candles on a birthday cake.