What happens when fans meet their idols? There are a few opportunities for that to happen here at Paramount, since at least two performances on the backlot require crowd scenes. But even if fans show up early and wait for that elusive opportunity to be in the front row, they usually can’t hope for more than a wink or a smile.
“If I actually met a Jonas Brother, I might hyperventilate,” said fan Samar Reed, who has been waiting outside of the Paramount lot at the side entrance of Van Ness and Lemon Grove since 5 a.m.
So we tried to make Samar’s dream come true, but since the Jonas Brothers weren’t on site yet, we had to do with the next best thing – their paper placeholders for the main show. But on a movie lot where it’s hard to tell the difference between real and fake, they didn’t seem to mind. When presented with her Jonas, Samar actually started kissing him.
Perhaps that was too forward for fellow fan Jenna Lederer.”I’m putting my arm around mine,” she declared. “I can’t kiss him. I just met him!”
Even so, she was more than happy to dance with him, and after a little getting-to-know-you time, accept Kevin’s imaginary proposal. “Oh, you want to marry me?” she asked his placeholder while holding him out in front of her. “Why, yes. I do.”
Unfortunately, we had to take the Jonas Brothers back to Stage 16, but the girls didn’t want to let go. “That’s not your Jonas,” one told the other, trying to yank the paper away. And as we pried the placeholders out of their hands, Lederer pleaded, “Can I kiss him now?”
And here we had thought the paper doll version would be a poor substitute. Who knew?
Stay up-to-date on everything about the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards at vma.mtv.com, and don’t miss the big show Sunday (September 7) at 9 p.m. ET/PT or the pre-show red carpet coverage that starts at 8 p.m. ET/PT.