SInce 2008, there have been killer Perez Hilton SXSW parties in Austin. And ATXgossip has been there since day one.

As the years have gone by, SXSW parties have gotten more competitive and, let’s face it, more commercial.

As to be expected, Perez Hilton’s SXSW One Night in Austin parties have changed accordingly. And now, we’re not even sure if the entertainment blogger will return in 2017.

While we wait on the official word, let’s reflect on the performances and guests throughout the years.

It all started in 2008 with a semi-small gathering at the Palm Door on Sabine. While that party was the smallest, one could argue it was the best one yet. The line-up included relative newcomers Katy Perry and Robyn alongside headliner Pharrell Williams with his then new band N.E.R.D. (you may recall he was previously with The Neptunes). Also in attendance was Cisco Adler, Jessica Simpson’s pop Joe and the brothers Hanson.

In 2009, the party moved to a warehouse space (now the site of a bingo hall) just East of I-35 between 11th and 12th streets. While the Indigo Girls, Kid Cudi and Solange Knowles’ performances were entertaining, it was the secret headliner that really brought down the house. Subsequently this almost resulted in yours truly being crushed by the crowd since I was front and center when he arrived.

Kanye West showed up at the end of the night to perform a short set that included “Stronger.”

We’re still wondering about this ghetto get-up he was sporting that night. The Kardashians would surely not be impressed.

Juliet Lewis, Margaret Cho, Taryn Manning and Amber Rose were also in attendance.

In 2010, the party took over another warehouse (that has since become the Whitley) and boasted one of his biggest line-ups. Courtney Love, Snoop Dogg and Macy Gray all performed to a packed crowd. Hundreds of people were turned away and one person even tried to use my name to get in. Mike Posner was apparently in attendance (though I had no idea who he was at the time).

 

The party moved to ACL Live at the Moody Theater in 2011 and the new venue changed the feel of the party a bit. The line-up this year included more up-and-comers like The Pretty Reckless (fronted by Taylor Momsen who starred on Gossip Girl at the time) before Liz Phair took the stage. Full DJ sets were also added featuring acts like Dirty Vegas.

It was in 2012 when Perez’s One Night in Austin party became an official SXSW Music event.

At that time, the showcase happened at the Austin Music Hall and the previously free event became a fundraiser for VH1’s Save the Music. A variety of musical styles were showcased including those of Miguel, B.o.B., Timbaland, Cher Lloyd and Ed Sheeran.

In 2013 and 2014, the party once again took place at Austin Music Hall. Perez’s crush Zac Efron even showed up one of those years (though he stuck to the backstage area). DJs again kept the party going between the crowded list of emerging and established artists. In 2013, Fall Out Boy headlined while Capitol Cities, Charlie XCX and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis played earlier sets. 2014 was the year Perez showed off his new bod while girl power was that year’s theme. Performers included Ingrid Michaelson, Mister Wives, Blondie and American Authors.

The event remained the same in 2015, taking place at the music hall for the last time and again serving as a fundraiser. The evening kicked off with the Mowgli’s and ended with Swedish electro-pop artist Tove Lo. The Ting Tings and Elle King performed as well, among others.

In 2016, the event returned to ACL Live at the Moody Theater with a scaled down line-up. Headlined by MAGIC!, other performers included Grace Mitchell and Daya.

And now, we have to wonder, with the cut backs on SXSW party permits, will the Perez Hilton SXSW party return in 2017?

ATXgossip attempted to contact the blogger via social sites but received no response. With festival details flowing in daily, it’s not looking promising. However, you would think this year is the perfect time to host one final blowout.

As soon as we hear anything about a 10th Annual Perez Hilton One Night in Austin party, we’ll pass that info along.

*UPDATE – Perez had announced he will not be returning to SXSW in 2017.