Jennifer Hudson and Dylan McDermottt celebrate NYE at Setai in Miami Beach

THE SETAI “BEYOND PARADISE” NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY GOES BEYOND ALL EXPECTATIONS

Jennifer Hudson sparkles on the red carpet and gives stunning performance to ring-in the New Year;
Acclaimed actor and host Dylan McDermott introduces an evening of Hollywood entertainment.

(PHOTOS BY MHPIXS.com)

The SETAI, the luxurious Asian-inspired resort in the heart of South Beach, went beyond all expectations for its “Beyond Paradise” New Year’s Eve celebration on Monday night.

Award-winning actor and singer Jennifer Hudson made a grand entrance on to the red carpet with her family and entourage, as the featured performer for the night, in a form-fitting, two-piece, winter white skirt suit by Donna Karan. Jennifer dazzled in front of the world’s media, wearing more than $150,000 in jewels. The brandishing beauty of bling gave photographers an extra special treat when she showed off a $55,000 7.5-carat, platinum-and-diamond watch provided for the night by Armaan Swiss Diamond Watches. Hudson also wore a 36-carat, 3.5-inch-wide diamond cuff bracelet in a floral design; a 10-carat butterfly-shaped diamond ring and beautiful eight-carat diamond drop earrings -- all by Rosalina (designed by Rosalina Lydster). Acclaimed Hollywood actor Dylan McDermott (The Pratice, Steel Magnolias) also arrived on to a packed red carpet shortly after in a navy blue Marc Jacobs suit, as the host for the evening of celeb-studded entertainment.

“I’m so thrilled to be performing at The SETAI for such a prestigious New Year’s Eve celebration,” said Hudson. “My New Year’s resolution is to focus more and always be happy, even though I work all the time,” added the Dreamgirls star when asked what her wishes were for 2008.
(PHOTOS BY MHPIXS.com)


For the Lagoon Dinner Dance, McDermott took to the stage to introduce Hudson at 11:30 p.m. in front of a capacity crowd who enjoyed an extravagant five-course meal, prepared by The SETAI’s acclaimed Executive Chef Jonathan Wright, that included Crispy Peking Duck Salad, Ostera Caviar and Scrambled Eggs, Miso Caramelized Black Cod, Steamed Langoustine Har Gau, and Roasted Wagyu Tenderloin with Maine Lobster Ravioli and Baby Turnips -- finishing with a delightful array of desserts that included Croustillant of Dark Chocolate, Mango and Ginger Pâté de Fruit and Rosewater Turkish Delight. For the highly anticipated live show, Hudson changed her attire into a snug, fire-engine red, below-the-knee sleeveless dress with plunging décolleté, by Donna Karan. Hudson humored the audience as she performed four tracks from her upcoming album, including the number-one track “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” from the hit movie Dreamgirls. A champagne toast at midnight shortly followed to the sound of exploding fireworks over the Oceanside beachfront located behind the hotel.

Guests then moved on to the Beyond Paradise late night soirée with renowned international DJ Sky Nellor. Esteemed event producer Michael Stern and his team transformed the hotel courtyard into a seductive, scarlet-washed nightclub filling three areas of the property: The Halle, Courtyard and Z-Zone Lounge. This ultra-VIP party, set in a jungle-themed setting, featured live performances by caged “bird” dancers and a Zen-like DJ. For The Beyond Paradise Party Countdown, diva dance queen and musical artist Wunmi rang-in the New Year with an Afro–fusion musical and dance performance complete with a four-piece orchestra. Shortly after, McDermott introduced the beats of club queen DJ Sky Nellor who filled the air with love, lust and high-energy until 3:00 a.m.

The SETAI’s Beyond Paradise New Year’s Eve celebration was sponsored by Haute Living magazine, DKNY and Knights Head beer, with jewelry provided to Jennifer Hudson by Rosalina and Armaan Swiss Diamond Watches.