AOL GETS US INTO CLIVE’S PARTY

As part of its “Broadband Rocks” campaign, America Online is doing something we never could—getting in the door of Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party and bringing a few million friends.

AOL will be ramping up its Grammy coverage before then, of course, with lots of groovy content accessible at AOL Keyword: GRAMMYS.

But the piece de resistance has to be the legendary fete Feb. 7 hosted by none other than the newly tapped CEO of BMG North America, His Cliveness. Since we’ll never be invited, we’re glad we'll be able to take solace in the online experience, where we'll be freed from the risk of making verbal gaffes or passing out in the punchbowl.

AOL subscribers and on-demand Web users will be able to join the virtual party, virtually rubbing elbows with an array of superstars. The festivities begin at 9:30 PST with red-carpet schmoozing courtesy of Radio KOL’s Rick Adams; video of perfs from the party will be fully available on the site and as audio via Radio@AOL (regular or broadband).

The service will also make highlights from two previous parties, a photo gallery, archived footage and more.

Last year’s online broadcast of the Clive party prompted 65k+ live streams and more than a million streams within 48 hours.

“AOL and its members have been very good to J Records over the past few years, helping bring artists like Alicia Keys, Gavin DeGraw and others to new heights,” reads a quote from Davis. “It’s wonderful that such a vibrant audience of music fans can attend my annual gala through the magic of AOL. The more the merrier. And yes, the HITS losers can come too.”

“Every year, Clive raises the bar by delivering fresh talent, innovative pairings and unparalleled energy,” crowed AOL Music VP/GM Evan Harrison. “We are genuinely excited to bring the show into the homes of millions of music fans for the third year in a row.”

For those with a serious Grammy jones, Harrison and his comrades are also offering, among other features, a Radio@AOL Grammy Nominees station, trivia, links to programming for all nominees, polls, message boards, email alerts, exclusive Sessions@AOL perfs by nominees like 50 Cent, OutKast, Evanescence, Coldplay and more and—best of all—links to purchase digital tracks (via iTunes and MusicNet), CDs and DVDs.