Having a ball

As America's pop princess Britney Spears attempted to wow the UAE crowds at Yas Island on Friday, its neighbour Saadiyat Island was churning out some action of its own with its glamorous Abu Dhabi Chequered Flag Ball.

On the red carpet laid out at the new St Regis Hotel, sporting legends mingled with music heavyweights and F1 enthusiasts in their bid to support a charitable cause.

"F1 is not just about sports. It's also about glamour and decadence," said UK singer Mica Paris. Clad in a black and muted gold dress that she designed along with her friend Charmaine, Paris — who was the star performer of the evening — said her gig equals "having a good time".

"Tonight's performance is soul music at its best. It will be about dancing and I don't want to see anybody just sitting there looking bored," said Paris, whose new album will release in February next year.

"But the songs from that album are under lock and key," she added.

Welsh singer Lisa Scott Lee, who was a part of the popular pop group Steps, had no such reservations as she faced questions about her band's re-union. A decade after their acrimonious split, the 5,6,7,8 singers who have had 14 consecutive top 5 singles in the UK, recently announced The Ultimate Tour, a 15-date arena tour scheduled for April 2012.

Lucky

"It's all very exciting and we didn't really expect it to take off the way it has. We feel so lucky because we are now in a good place," said Lee, who is currently based in Dubai. But she adds that her five-piece band are taking it slow.

"Not many bands can boast of keeping it going. But we are taking baby steps. We have six more weeks of rehearsals and I am hitting the gym every day." When asked if she intends to bring Steps to the UAE, she was definitely optimistic.

"Of course, it will be a lovely opportunity. The weather is fantastic and the music scene vibrant — so why not?" said Lee. Footballer Emile Heskey, who plays for Aston Villas as a striker, also fielded questions about heading to the UAE shores with ease. When asked if he would consider a position such as the one that Maradona embraced as Al Wasl coach, Heskey bounced it off with a breezy "never, say never."

Local designer Meher Mirchandani, who had previously dressed British R & B singer Beverley Knight for the same ball, was also a part of the exclusive guest list.

The red carpet was followed by a charity auction dinner for the Christina Noble Children Foundation.