{blackbabes} Sailors' delight

Ashanti showed love to the troops in town for Fleet Week on Wednesday night. The R&B diva and Boys & Girls Clubs ambassador hit the Highline Ballroom to watch Kelly Clarkson perform at a private event for the charity. A gaggle of cadets spotted Ashanti on her way home in a strapless Marc Bouwer dress and "went crazy," says a spy. She chatted with them, signed autographs, took pictures and talked to their families from their cellphones on Ninth Avenue. Also at the Highline: Gabourey Sidibe, Kelly Rutherford and Deborah Cox.