New York, December 14, 2007 – Naturally, the first thing we did in the Z100 Jingle Ball gift lounge was ask the folks pushing sexy underwear what Pete Wentz picked up for girlfriend Ashlee Simpson. “Pete is getting a special one”, said the Foxers Boxers rep, pointing at a little shopping bag waiting for the Fall Out Boy front man to take home.  “It’s red lace, and it’s special for Ashlee.”  Of course, we had to ask what size Ashlee wears.  “It’s very small.”   Alicia Keys took black lace panties, and the company handed a pink pair to Avril Lavigne.

While Wentz declined to discuss his (or Ashlee’s) underclothes, he did chat about his latest accessory, the cast on his foot that he broke during a New Orleans concert.   “I jumped off an amp.  I wish I had a better story than that”, he told us.  The Jingle Ball caps a busy year for Fall Out Boy. “Tonight is the last show of the year for us, so it’s a highlight.  We’ll go to sleep”, Wentz said. 

Jordin Sparks is looking forward to next year. “I’m pretty sure I’m going to be starting to tour by myself, maybe opening for a big act”, the American Idol alum said.  “I know I’m going overseas, and I’ve never done that before so I’m really excited for that.”  The Jonas Brothers are excited about playing Times Square on New Year’s Eve. “We grew up in the New York/New Jersey area, but we have actually never been in Times Square for New Year’s”, they told reporters. Whether or not the skinny Jonas boys use the New York Health & Racquet Club memberships in the swag bags, they have no trouble attracting women. We asked Kevin Jonas whether he prefers blondes, brunettes or redheads.  “Anything and everything”, he replied. 

Ashley Tisdale carried her tiny dog, Maui, while checking out the merchandise from H&M, Dooney & Bourke, Fashionation and others.

Some photographers boycotted gossip Perez Hilton in the press room, refusing to take his photo in support of paparazzi who sued the blogger for copyright infringement.  “I don’t do that anymore”, Hilton said.  “Then pay up for the ones you did use!” somebody retorted. 

Photos: Joy E. Scheller/LFI

Nick Carter, Jordin Sparks photos: Wireimage