NEW ORLEANS - Cee Lo was looking for a little New Orleans action. David Gregory was taking the weekend off from "Meet the Press." And Paul McCartney was hanging out at a party that included Pitbull and Flo Rida.

It was a rich and eclectic mix of stars on Friday night in New Orleans, as partying got under way in earnest before Sunday's big game.

CeeLo was the featured performer at ESPN Magazine's "Next" party, which had a guest list that included Michael Phelps and NASCAR driver Kyle Bush.

McCartney attended the Rolling Stone party, which included guests that included Chace Crawford and Sofia Vergara.

At Audi's Super Bowl party, Will Ferrell, Jeremy Renner and Olivia Munn mingled, and Playboy attracted Neil Patrick Harris, David Arquette and others.