The Evolution!
By: Joseph Young
POSTED: 19:35 EST, November 5, 2007

Atlanta, GA. 11:30 p.m.:

Celebrities start pulling up to the club, and Ne-Yo is the first to show. Flanked by his bodyguard and an entourage full of women, he greeted the press with head-nods and handshakes as he walked down the red carpet into the club.

He was followed by the likes of Bobby Valentino, Goodie Mob's Big Gipp, Youngbloodz' J-bo, Lil Scrappy and Flavor of Love's Bootz.

But none made a bigger entrance than the birthday girl herself - Ciara. Arriving a little past the midnight hour, she pulled up in a white Phantom, which seem more like a chariot than a luxury vehicle.

Surrounded by just her assistant, father, publicist, and a few friends, she gracefully walked the red carpet in an all-black ensemble, complete with black tights and black boots. She was greeted with a barrage of birthday shout-outs from the crowd.

VIBE: How does it feel to be 22?
CIARA: It's a blessing, it's a big deal. I'm very thankful for this year and everything's that's happened prior to this year. I'm excited about moving forward as well. I feel very blessed.

VIBE: Why multiple birthday parties?
CIARA: For my 21st birthday, I wanted to do a really big party and I didn't get a chance to, because I was promoting my album, and it was so much going on. So I said exiting 21, I wanted something big, and that's exactly what's happening right now. I'm not really a party person like that, but I'm enjoying myself with all the parties so far.

VIBE: What's going to make this year more special than last year?
CIARA: Just another year in life, and as you grow older, you gain more wisdom and experience. I'm living my dream, and I hope they can grow bigger and bigger. I hope that I can have a positive year ahead.

VIBE: What are some of your upcoming projects?
CIARA: I'm looking forward to going in and recording some records. I'm  also going on tour with Rhianna in Europe, and my movie comes out. It's called "Mama, I Want to Sing!" with Patti Labelle, Lynn Whitfield, Hill Harper and Billy Zane.

Inside, the party was in full swing. DJ Trauma was spinning on the ones and twos and Ciara and all those who came to celebrate with her tore up the dance floor. Ne-Yo paid respects by singing  "Happy Birthday" as she was presented with a large cake covered with red rose petals.

Her father, Carlton Harris, proceeded to tell the crowd how proud he was of his daughter, and how happy he was to see his child experience another year of life.

Ciara then jumped into an impromptu performance, singing along with all her many hits - from "Goodies," to "1 & 2 Step," to "Promise."