THE 10TH ANNUAL GROVE TREE LIGHTING

Photo Credit, Crystal Mello

Last night, PPLA was front and center for the Grove’s 10th Annual Star Studded Holiday Tree Lighting Spectacular hosted by Mario Lopez and presented by CITI. The event marked the official kick-off of the holiday season here in Los Angeles and included perforances by The Backstreet Boys, Michael Bolton, Melanie Fiona, Colbie Callait, Far East Movement, Rickey Minor and His Band, and two American Idol winners  Scotty McCreery and Phil Phillips.

This event was open to the public and made The Grove buzz with the excitement of Times Square on New Year’s Eve! The program also included the lighting of the 100-ft Christmas tree, the season’s first ‘snowfall’, dance performances by The Top Hats (think L.A.’s version of The Rockettes) and the arrival of Santa Claus.

The show also honored a special guest, a young girl fighting leukemia, from the Make-A-Wish Foundation who got to meet all the performers backstage and was given a shopping gift card to The Grove courtesy of its owners Rick Caruso of Caruso Affiliated, as well as an invite by Mario Lopez to attend the taping of some of her favorite shows at the neighboring CBS backlot. It was a truly special moment that really signified what the holiday spirit is all about.

Press Pass LA was lucky enough to interview the celebrities on the red carpet prior to taking the stage and enjoy all the great performances. Crowd favorites included Phil Philips new hit “Home” and The Backstreet Boys new holiday song “It’s Christmas Time Again”.

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