It was a family affair at Nickelodeon’s 2011 Kids’ Choice Awards, as Willow Smith and other young stars took the spotlight — while the adults hoped to avoid getting slimed.

Earlier this month, Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards brought families together in Hollywood, and front of the small screen, for a “sliming” good time! The event drew not only the young, but also the young at heart. So, I hit the orange carpet — yes, the orange carpet — in hopes of catching one of the hottest rising stars, Willow Smith (see my video report below).

This year’s orange carpet featured a slew of celebrities toting kids as their accessory of choice. There were star sightings from everyone from Eddie Murphy, Jim Carey, Johnny Depp, and kid-friendly bands like The Black Eye’d Peas, who opened the show with a cameo, from host Jack Black. The best part of the show seemed to be watching favorite stars get slimed. Russell Brand who was slated to announce the award for “Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie” and ended up receiving a residual and unscripted slime from the peanut gallery just beyond the stage. The night’s big winners included Selena Gomez, Johnny Depp, and Miley Cyrus.

Initially, I figured there was no way Willow would stop (her handlers are usually very protective). But to my surprise, the young singer walked straight up to me and began answering questions. She was poised, professional, and already preening about her upcoming performance. Could anyone expect anything less? Let’s face it, this kid was born to entertain. And with parents, Will and Jada Smith, we all know the talent, grooming, and opportunities for her are endless.

Willow has more than great genes; she has the discipline, work ethic, and talent to make things happen. As another member of Hollywood royalty once said, “Having a famous name may open the doors to get you in the room, but if you don’t have the talent and the discipline to back it up, they will escort you right back out.”