HOLLYWOOD (May 8, 2006) — Nick Lachey’s ex, Jessica Simpson, was in a talkative mood as she stepped out to celebrate Latin excellence at the ALMA Awards in Hollywood.
The 2006 ALMA Awards celebrated positive portrayals and outstanding achievements by Hispanic artists from the worlds of music, television and film.
Marc Anthony and Andy Garcia were honored with special tributes. Awards also were given in 15 other categories in ceremonies at the Shrine Auditorium.
But first and foremost, we had to get a closer look at Jessica’s new tresses.
“The hair, the rumor is going to be, I went red!” Jessica laughed.
Red carpet red! But Jessica’s new do is just a wig.
“It’s my new wig line called ‘Gor-Jess,’” Jessica explained to Access’ Tony Potts. “Yeah, I still have really blonde hair.”
Jessica was joined by Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez, who’s been talking a lot about babies lately. J. Lo even told “People En Espanol” that she really wants to have another child.
“Everyone wants to know when you are having a little one?” Tony asked.
“I want to know too,” Marc laughed.
And why was Jessica at the ALMA’s?
“I’m here for Eva Longoria,” Jessica said. “She is one of my dear friends.
Stunning in Angel Sanchez, ALMA host and producer, Eva Longoria, had not one but two dates for the big night.
“Great dates today,” Tony told Eva.
“Yes, these are my parents,” Eva said.
“How proud are you to see what she’s done producing this show and to see her hosting?” Tony asked.
“Real proud of her,” Eva’s dad beamed. “Yes, she has done a lot of things. We wouldn’t be here because she is the one that brings us in here. She is a star. We are just here to support her.
“Aww,” Eva gushed.
Eva’s co-stars, Marcia Cross and Felicity Huffman, also were on hand to lend support and to see Eva’s much-anticipated opening performance.
“It’s really exciting. She is going to dance,” Felicity told us.
And dance she did. Eva, along with friends, Constance Marie and Carmen Electra, opened the show with a hot salsa bang.
The gals performed a Latina version of the “Pussycat Dolls” — except with more clothes on.
“What about that opening number?” Tony asked Jessica Alba.
“It was hot! It was on fire. Those women being sexy, celebrating all of it,” Jessica said.
Tony hit the backstage area just minutes after the opening number.
“So, how was it opening up the show like that?” Tony asked.
“It was awesome,” Carmen laughed. “It was so much fun. I was nervous because J. Lo was in the front row, and I love Jennifer Lopez. And Eva Longoria was awesome.”
Just then Jessica Simpson raced up for a hug.
“You looked beautiful,” Jessica told Carmen.
Aww,” Carmen said.
There’s nothing like a thumbs-up from a red-headed Jessica!
Moments later, Marc, who took home the award for excellence in music, made a backstage exit hand-in-hand with J. Lo.
“Jennifer, how proud are you of Marc tonight?” Tony asked.
“I’m so proud,” Jennifer smiled. “You’ll see when you watch the show.”
J. Lo proudly shed tears of joy during Marc’s moving acceptance speech.
“I love you so much,” said Marc, during his speech. “I love you so much. I wrote every one of those songs for you and you know that. I love you.”
The National Council of La Raza, the country’s largest Hispanic advocacy organization, created the ALMA Awards in 1995 to honor Hispanic performers and promote positive images of Hispanics in entertainment.
Sunday’s ALMA’s, which stands for American Latino Media Arts and also means “soul” in Spanish, will air June 5 on ABC.
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