 California Love in Las Vegas: Dr. Dre (left) and Chairman of Interscope/Geffen/A&M Jimmy Iovine (Photo: Getty Images) |
No matter which backstage hallway anyone wandered down during Clear Channel’s iHeartRadio Music Festival, there was bound to be bold face names hanging out and security guards prepared to usher out anyone who lacked the proper credentials.
During Nicole Scherzinger‘s two-song set Saturday at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Arena, AEG Live president and CEO Randy Phillips, songwriter Diane Warren and “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson were holding court backstage. Big Machine’s Scott Borchetta, on hand with Rascal Flatts, was the only executive to drop in on the press.
Clear Channel executives, meanwhile, were gathered in VIP areas beside the stage, often serving as a backdrop for the show’s emcees Ryan Seacrest and radio host Elvis Duran. Bob Pittman, who is Clear Channel’s Chairman of Media and Entertainment Platforms, along with Clear Channel Radio CEO John Hogan, executive VP Jeff Littlejohn, New York president and market manager Joe Puglise and executive VP of strategic partnerships Michele Laven were among the executives enjoying the close-in proximity.
On the first night, the sight of produce-executives created quite a stir in the crowd. Dr. Dre and Interscope Geffen A&M Records chairman Jimmy Iovine attracted the attention of hundreds of fans as the duo and their ensemble made their way into the crowd to catch Jay-Z‘s show closing set.
The number of stars — a dozen on Saturday, eight on Friday — required an enormous number of dressing rooms and tight security throughout the lower levels of the arena. Prior to performing, most artists wound up doing a lap of the space, appearing first in a half-hour meet and greet with fans followed by red carpet interviews and one-on-one interviews with various media outlets.
 Sultans of Swing: Chairman of Media and Entertainment Platforms for Clear Channel Radio Bob Pittman (left) and Live Nation Executive Chairman Irving Azoff in the VIP Lounge at the iHeartRadio Music Festival at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by John Sciulli/Getty Images for Clear Channel) |
 Who Are We To Judge? If American Idol judges Steven Tyler of Aerosmith (left) and Randy Jackson (right) can play with X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger (center) a the IHeartRadio music festival, then perhaps we can all get along. The latter two were seen in the backstage VIP area. (Photo: Getty Images) |
 They Heart Radio: From left: Executive VP Jeff Littlejohn, New York President and Market Manager Joe Puglise, and Executive VP of Strategic Partnerships Michele Laven |
 Are they Holding Up Mini Nicki Minaj With Their Arms? (From left) Rascal Flatt’s Joe Don Rooney, Jay DeMarcus and Gary LeVox (Nicki Minaj on the monitor) with Clear Channel radio hosts Elvis Duran and Carolina Bermudez backstage at the iHeartRadio Music Festival. (Photo: Getty Images) |
 From left: IHeartRadio Host Ryan Seacrest, Clear Channel’s Bob Pittman and CEO & President of Clear Channel Radio John Hogan (Getty Images) |