Clive Davis once again filled the Beverly Hilton’s international ballroom to the brim with music industry insiders as he presented his pre-Grammy celebration and concert. This Saturday night’s show featured a unique mix of legends, rising stars, and rock royalty, including Jennifer Lopez, Joni Mitchell, Barry Manilow, Shaboozey, Benson Boone, and Teddy Swims. However, this year’s star-studded event was branded as an “event” rather than a “gala,” largely due to the catastrophic wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles last month. The wildfires led to modifications in the format of the event, with the typically glamorous affair having the red carpet omitted and a transition toward focusing on fundraising through MusiCares. Despite these changes, music remained the centerpiece of the night.
The evening delivered a parade of Grammy-winning and nominated performers showcasing their talents, each taking the stage one after another. The introductions, filled with enthusiasm, were made by Davis himself, who, at 92 years old, opted for a seated perch at the side of the stage rather than his usual jaunts to the podium. The energy in the room was palpable as the performers took the spotlight, each adding to the evening’s excitement.
Following an electric opener featuring a lineup of rock heavyweights—Chris and Nick Robinson of the Black Crowes, Andrew Watt, Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Rob Trujillo of Metallica—the program commenced with Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. addressing the black-tie audience, explaining the necessary adaptations to this year’s presentation. He remarked, “We’re here in a city recovering from devastating wildfires and we’re facing a long road ahead. When the fires started, there were actually a lot of questions about whether the Grammys should even go on. After consulting with state and city leaders, and many others, we decided to move forward.” Mason noted that MusiCares had raised nearly $5 million in aid to support over 2,500 music professionals who were impacted by the devastating fires.
Host Jimmy Kimmel, accompanied by his wife Molly McNearney, also paid tribute to first responders and acknowledged the overwhelming generosity of the entertainment community in the wake of this tragedy. Kimmel, fresh from the recent fire relief concert staged on Thursday night, stated, “FireAid was a great event and raised $60 million and tonight we’re going to raise even more.” He highlighted Clive Davis’s enduring legacy, calling him a “living legend” who “still has the fire” within him. Kimmel humorously remarked about a backstage comment from Davis, who had quipped that this fundraiser would “blow Feed the Children out of the fucking water.”
Davis took the stage and showcased his witty sense of humor, thanking Kimmel for the introduction while also expressing a more serious reflection, stating that he often finds good “arising from the life spring of pain.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining the event on the calendar, especially considering a milestone anniversary and the need for fundraising efforts. Davis led by example, announcing a six-figure donation to kick off the evening’s fundraising efforts.
As the show continued, Canadian crooner Michael Bublé paid tribute to the late Quincy Jones with a lovely rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon.” This tribute paved the way for another, via video, honoring the late Richard Perry, who passed away in December, featuring heartfelt messages from music legends like Rod Stewart, Jane Fonda, David Foster, and Diane Warren.
Davis took a moment to recognize several bold-faced names in attendance, with Jennifer Lopez among those receiving love and applause from the crowd. Other notable attendees included Alicia Keys and her husband Swizz Beatz, Gayle King, Jack Antonoff and his wife Margaret Qualley, and Gladys Knight, who all contributed to the festive atmosphere of the event.
A special moment arose as Davis expressed his deep admiration for Joni Mitchell, announcing that she would be performing later in the show. He revealed that she brought a personal gift for him: a piece of art she painted nearly two decades ago featuring Elton John. Anticipation grew as Davis noted, “You will be in for a moment of a lifetime.” Mitchell’s performance was the highlight of the night, as she delivered two songs, “Both Sides Now” and “Summertime.” Dressed in a beret and sunglasses, she captivated the ballroom with her heartfelt presence, shining brightly as her performance concluded to wide smiles and enthusiastic applause.
Barry Manilow, a longtime friend and collaborator of Davis, also performed two songs, marking his connection to the very first gala held 50 years ago. To emphasize their long-lasting friendship, Davis showcased a clip from that inaugural event, igniting laughter from the crowd as Manilow remarked, “Can you believe I looked like that? Can you believe Clive looked like that?” Manilow expressed gratitude for Davis, saying, “I’m so happy to be here to help Clive raise money for those people in the music community affected by these horrible fires,” while demonstrating his profound affection for Davis’s guidance throughout his career.
As the night rolled on, additional performances lit up the stage, including rising rap star Doechii with her hit “Denial is a River,” Shaboozey delivering his chart-topping “Tipsy,” Samara Joy featuring a cover of Betty Carter’s “Tight,” and Teddy Swims captivating the audience with his breakout hit “Lose Control.” The array of talent left everyone in high spirits, celebrating the resilience and creativity inherent in the music community.
Post Malone took the stage and humorously disclosed an unfortunate incident involving a spilled cocktail, lightening the mood by stating, “I did not piss my pants” before performing “Sunflower,” which he credited as “my only good song.” He honored the night’s sole honoree, Jody Gerson, CEO of Universal Music Publishing, who was recognized as a “true industry icon.” Lucian Grainge, CEO of Universal Music Group, celebrated her contributions, stating, “She’s completely transformed Universal Music Group Publishing into a global powerhouse and the home of the world’s greatest songwriters,” acknowledging the extraordinary talent that flourishes under her leadership.
In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Gerson recalled her nerves early in her career when she first crashed the pre-Grammys gala. “When I walked into the party, I bumped smack into Fred Davis, who was very surprised to see me,” she reflected, sharing how far she has come since that moment. “Music can brighten even our darkest days, and we surely need artists to bring light into the world now more than ever,” she concluded, expressing pride in being part of such a vibrant community.
The evening concluded with an emotional tribute to Whitney Houston, whom Davis cherished deeply. He shared that Houston’s presence was felt on this special night, emphasizing how much this gala meant to her throughout the years. Gospel great Yolanda Adams closed the show with a powerful rendition of Houston’s iconic “I Will Always Love You.” Before beginning, Adams poignantly said, “As Clive said, [Whitney] would definitely be here not only in presence but in substance as well,” connecting everyone in the room through the beauty of music and memory.
As guests departed the Beverly Hilton, the significance of the night lingered long after the final notes faded. Solidarity among artists, industry professionals, and community members shone brightly as they united for a noble cause, demonstrating how music, resilience, and love can indeed conquer adversity. The event not only raised substantial funds for those affected by the wildfires but also celebrated the power of music to uplift spirits, highlighting the collective effort to support one another during trying times.
This year’s pre-Grammy event, with Jennifer Lopez, Joni Mitchell, and so many other talented artists coming together, served as a poignant reminder of music’s integral role in healing and bringing people together, solidifying its place at the heart of human experience.