While lives were destroyed . . .

. . . the "Hollywood crowd" partied in Miami at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Catering to the stars at MTV awards

Celebrities demanded everything from condoms to catfish strips at the MTV Video Music Awards Sunday night.

50 Cent is the one whose representatives asked for condoms - two boxes of Lifestyles and Rough Riders, to be precise. The rapper also wanted the obligatory bottles of Cristal, but when it came to food, his tastes were simpler: chicken - from KFC and Boston Market - and macaroni and cheese.

And 50 had a kosher request, as well. His demands, scored by In Touch Weekly, say: "There is to be no pork in the food or in the vicinity of 50 Cent's dressing room." Sean Combs didn't want any near him, either.

Red Bull was the energy drink of choice for Green Day and Coldplay - if they ever got through their booze orders. Billie Joe Armstrong and the lads wanted a fifth of silver tequila, a fifth of whisky (Jameson or Bushmill's), a fifth of vodka (Grey Goose, Vox or Belvedere) and four bottles of wine.

Coldplay wanted vodka and wine, plus no fewer than 48 bottles of lager - specifically demanding that no American beers be included. The band's menu was healthier, with organic soup and free-range chicken on the table. But somebody wanted three packs of Marlboro Lights. If it's Chris Martin, wife Gwyneth Paltrow better not find out or she'll pelt him with tofu.

Kanye West may have a big ego, but he made few demands: He just wanted water, salad and Pepsi.

Of course, the ladies are different. Both Shakira and Kelly Clarkson went for atmosphere, with Shakira asking for "relaxed" lighting, drapes over ugly walls and high-quality flowers everywhere; Clarkson wanted vanilla candles.

But what's this? Stardom has not yet spoiled the "American Idol" winner: She actually uses the magic word - "please" - in her contract.

How disgusting. While people were dying, their homes being ripped apart, an entire city destroyed, and more destruction than one can fathom, these "celebrities" were living it up, demanding expensive liquor, food, and other disgusting things (50 Cent).

Apparently the boys of Coldplay are alcoholics (they just hate America though, so no American beer), as are the idiots of Green Day.

And why does one need a certain atmosphere for a dressing room one will hardly use? Can't one bring one's own drapes and candles?

What immature, selfish people. The only one in that list I think remotely adult is Kanye West.

For photos of the decadence, visit here.

And then look at these photos of the devastation Hurrican Katrina left behind her.