GOOD GIRLS GO LIVE

Leighton Meester takes the stage at American Eagle.

There's only one thing that justifies hauling past hordes of screaming teenagers, around some very grumpy security guards, and under racks (and racks and racks) of plaid shirts.

It's the chance to see Leighton Meester singing live, which is exactly what happened last night at American Eagle's new flagship store in Times Square. 

Though Leighton's performed with Cobra Starship and Awesome New Republic in recording studios, this was the first time she appeared without a safety net.

So how did Blair Waldorf do?  "Shocking!" is what we heard most after the concert, which was packed with teen TV stars like Michelle Tractenberg and Ashlee SImpson. 

Not only did Leighton arrive onstage in shiny skin-tight leggings and a bandeau bra (a far cry from her Lanvin-and-headband look on The CW), she performed with a set of pop dancers who looked as if they'd been lifted straight from Britney's tour.

As for her singing, it was refreshing, fun, and loud - not an easy feat when you're jumping up and down onstage while teenagers (and paparazzi, and... um... NYLON editors) scream and clap.

Alas, there was no Leighton Meester CD in the gift bag, just a really cute tote announcing AE's Times Square invasion.  But hopefully we can cobble together enough footage on YouTube to learn her lyrics, copy her dance moves, and try to recreate her first big concert alone in our bedrooms - and that kind of devotion is what really makes someone a pop star.
--FARAN KRENTCIL

See Leighton on NYLON TV!



This story was published on November 18, 2009.