At the Grammys, even stars get starstruck. Backstage at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Feb. 8, Kelly Clarkson had a close encounter with her very own American idol: Madonna. "I love you, but you're Madonna," she gushed. "You probably don't do hugs!" In fact, Queen Madge was only too happy to share an embrace. "I got to fulfill a kid's dream [by performing] tonight," said Clarkson, who grabbed two awards before getting a post-Grammy fast-food fix at L.A.'s In-N-Out Burger. Whose limo was in the drive-through line? None other than Record of the Year winners Green Day.

At fellow Grammy winner Mariah Carey and mega-producer Jermaine Dupri's star-studded afterparty in a Beverly Hills mansion, Britney Spears and Kevin Federline tried to dash past red carpet reporters. But fellow guest Tyra Banks blocked their path so an interviewer for her talk show could question them. "I told you I'd get Britney," she joked to her. Inside, the Federlines joined Rob Thomas, Stevie Wonder, Jamie Foxx and Mischa Barton at the loud bash, which LAPD officers quieted around 1:45 a.m.

After her Grammy performance with Herbie Hancock, Christina Aguilera put on a different type of show at Madonna's exclusive private afterparty in the GM Penthouse atop the Regent Beverly Wilshire hotel. Joining a circle of krump dancers, Aguilera busted some moves—and then a dress strap. Luckily, a good Samaritan was on hand to supply the pop diva with a safety pin—and she continued to dance the night away.

Bikini-clad models wearing angel's wings strolled at a heaven-themed studio space soiree tossed by Kanye West, John Legend and Common. West, who took the stage with Best New Artist winner Legend, also screened his "Touch the Sky" video—which features a make-out session with Pamela Anderson—for invitees Teri Hatcher, Alicia Keys and Ludacris. Apparently the host was pleased with the outcome, telling guests, "I'm gonna play it again."

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The Return of Sly
Looking like a space-age Mr. T, funk legend Sly Stone's sudden midsong exit at his all-star tribute added to the mystery around the reclusive musician, who hasn't performed live in 19 years. What happened? Stone, 61, who lives quietly in L.A., watched the rest of the action backstage, then took off on his Harley. "That's just Sly being Sly," says a source, noting Stone is happy and healthy, if not exactly publicity-friendly.