The Szish Dish: Sizzling Hot Red Carpet Stars

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 22, 2006 — -- For many journalists, the red carpet has become a forum for slamming unsuspecting celebrities with questions about scandalous current events, their personal lives, or other potential incendiary topics, simply to get a scoop or even just a reaction.

For that reason, more and more celebrities blaze through the lineup of reporters on the carpet -- or even enter through a backdoor in order to skip the carpet altogether -- and are no longer willing to do interviews.

And really, who can blame them, especially when the focus of the evening is celebration?

But something about the mood at the 2006 American Music Awards was different -- although, of course, not everyone stopped to chat.

Perhaps it was the forthcoming holiday or just the perfect Los Angeles weather, but the stars seemed relaxed and their comments candid.

Most remained unfazed even after several overzealous reporters bombarded them with uncomfortable questions about the TomKat nuptials or Michael Richards' stand-up scandal.

Although others may disagree, I see the red carpet as an opportunity to interact with celebrities as you would a new acquaintance, perhaps even a friend.

I know I'm doing a good job when amidst all the flashbulbs and commotion, I realize I'm having a real conversation as opposed to just a question-and-answer session. There's a moment when you both make eye contact and suddenly you relax and just talk.

We're so used to seeing celebrities answer serious questions or talk about projects, but we don't often get to see them act like "real" people. That is, until the "Szish Dish" shows up.

On the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday, here are some down-to-earth celebrity comments that I am thankful for: