Lionel Richie Exclusive! Plus, more RED CARPET photos

The red carpet was hot hot hot at the Ford's Theatre 2010 gala and DC on Heels was there to catch the glitz & glam, and a few exclusives, too!

Markette and her former boss Debra Lee, President and CEO of BET

(Even though its been several years since working at BET, Ms. Lee still treated me like family when I met up with her on the red carpet. She told me she was coming from the White House, where President and Mrs. Obama hosted an intimate party before the Ford's Theatre gala).

Vanessa chats with America's favorite TV dad Dick Van Dyke

(Vanessa snagged the first interview on the red carpet with the TV legend, who also performed at the gala.)

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu was awarded the Lincoln Medal at the gala.

(The esteemed South African leader was full of joy on the red carpet and his positive energy was infectious!)

We literally had to serenade Lionel Richie to get him to come over and give us an interview, but we got it! (More Red Carpet video from this event to come!)

Good Morning America's Robin Roberts and her niece - the doctor!

(There were many beautiful photos of Robin Roberts on the red carpet, but I wanted to include this one with her niece because I thought it shows that - not only is Robin Roberts a great journalist - but she's also an awesome aunt. Robin told me that her niece just graduated from Howard University Medical School and they were there to celebrate!)

Markette and Modern Family's Ty Burrell, host of "America Celebrates July 4th," airing July 2 on ABC.

(Wondering why he has that funny expression? He told me on the red carpet that he was thinking about his 4-month-old baby girl back home. She's his first child and he said he just loves her to pieces and can't stand to be away!)

Markette and Montego Glover, star of Broadway's Memphis.

(Check out those arms! This beautiful & talented rising star is obviously on the "Michelle Obama" workout plan.)

xoxo,

Markette

P.S. - Stay tuned for more Red Carpet video coverage of the gala and "America Celebrates July 4th" - the biggest fundraising event of the year for Ford's Theatre Society.