The annual Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala once again brought together a star-studded assembly of music industry giants, rising stars, and political figures. Held at the Beverly Hilton ballroom, the event celebrated the enduring legacy of music with powerful performances and special tributes, including a video message from former President Barack Obama.
This year's gala, marking its 51st iteration, continued its tradition of showcasing both established legends and emerging talent, solidifying its reputation as a premier event in the music world.
Key Takeaways
- Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala featured a diverse lineup of performers and attendees.
- Former President Barack Obama delivered a video message honoring Clive Davis.
- Republic Records founders Monte and Avery Lipman were recognized as top honorees.
- Tributes included Ozzy Osbourne, Roberta Flack, Bernie Taupin, and Art Garfunkel.
- Rising stars like Olivia Dean, Sombr, and Alex Warren showcased their talent.
A Gathering of Stars Across Industries
The Beverly Hilton ballroom buzzed with an extraordinary mix of guests. Music icons like Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Berry Gordy, and Smokey Robinson were present. The front tables hosted an impressive array of talent, including Lana Del Rey, Jack Antonoff, and Hayley Williams.
The guest list extended beyond music to include film and politics. Actress Rachel Sennott, Teyana Taylor, and Colman Domingo represented the film world. Political figures such as Nancy Pelosi were also in attendance, highlighting the gala's broad appeal.
Notable Attendees
- Joni Mitchell
- Brandi Carlile
- Lana Del Rey
- Jack Antonoff
- Kendrick Lamar producer Sounwave
- Teyana Taylor
- Laufey
- Shaboozey
- Berry Gordy
- Smokey Robinson
- Nancy Pelosi
- Karol G
- Sharon and Jack Osbourne
- Colman Domingo
- Dave Grohl and daughter Violet
- Lil Jon
- Ne-Yo
- Weird Al Yankovic
- Yungblud
- Becky G
- Rufus Wainwright
- Gregg Alexander (New Radicals)
Honoring Industry Leaders
A significant part of the evening focused on recognizing those who shape the music industry. Monte and Avery Lipman, the founders of Republic Records, received top honors. Their label has garnered significant acclaim, winning Variety’s Hitmakers label of the year six out of nine times.
The presence of numerous top music executives underscored the gala's importance as a networking hub and a celebration of collective achievement. It remains a crucial event leading up to the Grammy Awards, bringing together key players from various facets of the music business.
Performances and Powerful Tributes
The gala delivered a series of memorable performances, blending contemporary hits with heartfelt tributes to music legends. Rising artists, many of whom are Grammy Best New Artist nominees, seized the opportunity to shine.
Olivia Dean captivated the audience with a sultry rendition of “Man I Need.” Sombr, who has shown significant improvement as a live performer, delivered “12 to 12,” while Alex Warren performed his hit “Ordinary.” Sombr was seen enjoying Dean's performance from the front row, a testament to the camaraderie among artists.
"Clive isn’t just a legendary music man. He is a force of nature. Clive’s talent has always been seeing and hearing what other people don’t. Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston. Clive recognized their potential just before anyone else, and then helped them to reach it."
Paying Homage to Icons
One of the evening's highlights was a powerful Ozzy Osbourne tribute. MGK and Jelly Roll teamed up for a tag-team performance of “I Don’t Wanna Stop” and “Mama I’m Coming Home.” Jelly Roll concluded his performance with a moving dedication.
"Rest in Peace to the Prince of Darkness… to a great husband, a great father, a great musician… Ozzy Osbourne!" Jelly Roll proclaimed before sharing a long hug with Sharon Osbourne backstage. The moment resonated deeply with the audience.
A History of Unforgettable Duets
The Clive Davis Gala has a rich history of iconic collaborations. Past years have seen unique duets featuring artists like Aretha Franklin and Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston and Natalie Cole, and Lou Reed and Rod Stewart. This tradition of bringing unexpected pairings to the stage continues to be a hallmark of the event.
Further tributes included Laufey and Darren Criss performing Elton John and Kiki Dee’s “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” This performance honored lyricist Bernie Taupin, who was present at the gala. Clipse collaborated with John Legend for an emotional rendition of “The Birds Don’t Sing.”
Jennifer Hudson once again showcased her powerful vocals with a cover of “The First Time Ever I Saw Face,” paying homage to the late Roberta Flack. The women of Huntr/x, from “KPop Demon Hunters,” delivered a soaring performance of “Golden,” with Ejae hitting incredibly high notes.
Obama's Message and a Full-Circle Moment
The evening kicked off with a special video message from former President Barack Obama. Introduced by Gayle King, Obama championed Clive Davis for his immense contributions to the music industry.
Obama's message highlighted Davis's unique ability to identify and nurture talent, citing examples like Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, and Whitney Houston. The former president emphasized Davis's visionary ear and his role in helping artists reach their full potential. The message focused purely on music, steering clear of politics, a welcome respite for many attendees.
A Fitting Conclusion with Art Garfunkel
The gala culminated in a poignant tribute to Art Garfunkel. Dan + Shay performed covers of “All I Know” and “Mrs. Robinson” before inviting Garfunkel himself to the stage. At 84, Garfunkel delivered a gentle, goosebumps-inducing version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
While his voice has changed since the song’s original recording 55 years ago, Garfunkel retained his legendary nuance. The spare arrangement, featuring primarily piano and a synthesizer for the soaring strings, created an intimate atmosphere. This performance was a full-circle moment, acknowledging Davis's pivotal role in fighting for “Bridge Over Troubled Water” to be released as a single, a decision that cemented its status as one of music’s most iconic tracks.
"Bridge Over Troubled Water" Impact
- Released 55 years ago.
- One of the longest and most unorthodox songs to become a No. 1 single.
- Clive Davis personally advocated for its release as a single.
- Remains a milestone in music history.
The evening underscored the enduring power of music to connect, inspire, and celebrate talent across generations. The Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala continues to be a vital platform for both honoring the past and embracing the future of the music industry.