Clive Davis's Pre-Grammy Gala Illuminates Beverly Hills with Musical Extravaganza
Music industry legend Clive Davis hosted his annual, star-studded pre-Grammys gala at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Saturday night. The exclusive event, a highlight of Grammy week, drew a glittering array of A-list celebrities and featured an impressive lineup of live performances and heartfelt tributes.
Tributes to Music Icons Set the Tone
The evening began with a poignant homage to the late heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away last summer. MGK, formerly known as Machine Gun Kelly, and country star Jelly Roll kicked off the night with powerful renditions of Osbourne's classics "I Don't Wanna Stop" and "Mama, I'm Coming Home," respectively. MGK's heartfelt words, "Rest in peace, Ozzy," resonated through the venue, setting a reflective yet celebratory mood for the gala.
Diverse Performances Captivate the Audience
Following the opening tributes, the stage came alive with a rapid-fire succession of performances. Alex Warren delivered his hit "Ordinary," while sombr performed "12 to 12." The collaboration between Clipse and John Legend on "The Birds Don't Sing" offered a soulful narrative, and Olivia Dean, a top contender for best new artist at the 2026 Grammys, showcased her talent with "Man I Need." A standout moment came from the trio HUNTR/X, who performed "Golden" from "Kpop Demon Hunters," featuring the powerful vocals of Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami in a full-throated display that captivated the audience.
Honours and Recognitions Highlight Industry Impact
Before the 93-year-old music executive Clive Davis took the stage in a sequined suit, Recording Academy President and CEO Harvey Mason jr. announced that January 31 had been officially declared "Clive Davis Day" by the city of Beverly Hills. Davis, addressing the crowd with characteristic understatement, promised an incredible evening and acknowledged notable attendees such as Joni Mitchell, Nancy Pelosi, Berry Gordy, and Brandi Carlile.
A mid-show tribute to Bernie Taupin, Elton John's principal collaborator and lyricist, had guests dancing, with Darren Criss launching into "Benny and the Jets" and Laufey joining for the duet "Don't Go Breaking My Heart." Republic Records founders Monte Lipman and Avery Lipman were honoured with the 2026 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons Award, using their speeches to highlight Universal Music Group's entrepreneurial spirit, earning praise even from Stevie Wonder.
Contrasting Themes Inside and Outside the Venue
This year's gala struck a different tone compared to last year's event, which focused on relief efforts for Los Angeles-area wildfires. Inside the Beverly Hilton, music remained central, with Jennifer Hudson paying homage to the late Roberta Flack with "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," and the duo Dan + Shay honouring Art Garfunkel, who later closed the stage with a moving performance of "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Garfunkel explained that his song was styled after Phil Spector's production on "Ol' Man River," a concept Davis had championed early on.
Outside the venue, a small group of protesters held an anti-immigration enforcement demonstration, echoing recent actions in New York City and Minneapolis with slogans like "Hilton houses ICE." This contrasted sharply with the celebratory atmosphere inside, where gaining admittance to Davis's event is notoriously challenging.
Notable Attendees and Special Moments
The exclusive guest list included a who's who of the entertainment world, such as Diplo, Karol G, Pharrell Williams, Rita Wilson, Dave Grohl, Diane Warren, Sharon Osbourne, Yungblud, Colman Domingo, Teyana Taylor, Jeff Goldblum, Gladys Knight, Madison Beer, Cameron Crowe, Lana Del Rey, Shaboozey, Max Martin, Leon Thomas, Bebe Rexha, and Jack Antonoff. Independent journalist Don Lemon received a coveted shout-out from Davis and a standing ovation after his recent release from custody following federal civil rights charges related to his coverage of a protest.
A video message from former President Barack Obama praised Davis's talent for "seeing and hearing what other people don't," citing artists like Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, and Whitney Houston as examples of Davis's visionary impact. This sentiment was echoed by Gayle King, who quoted Warren at the show's opening, calling Davis "the best friend a song ever had."
Looking Ahead to the Grammy Awards
The 68th Grammy Awards are scheduled for February 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Davis's gala, with its blend of tributes, performances, and industry accolades, continues to be a pivotal prelude to the main event, celebrating the enduring legacy of one of music's most influential figures.
