To kickoff “Music’s Biggest Night,” Clive Davis hosted his annual pre-GRAMMY gala at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday (Feb. 4). In honor of its return for the first time in three years, many of the biggest names in the music industry gathered for the special soirée to celebrate both the present-day artists and those who have passed on and left behind their lasting legacy.
The pre-Grammy tradition has been held the night before the awards since 1976, except for the past few years when it was canceled out of an abundance of caution for the pandemic. This year, the epic performances, memorable tributes, and heartfelt speeches picked up right where they left off.
Before the party began, Davis revealed that this weekend’s guest list featured “some of the biggest movie stars.”
This proved to be true as the attendees included Kevin Costner, Chance The Rapper, Machine Gun Kelly (girlfriend Megan Fox), Cardi B, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Brandi Carlile, Jennifer Hudson, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, Maneskin, Alice Cooper, Lizzo (boyfriend Myke Wright), Wiz Khalifa, Charlie Puth, Juanes, Lil Wayne, Anitta, Hallie Bailey, Chloe Bailey, Sheryl Crow, Miguel, Migos’ Offset and Quavo, Swizz Beats, Diplo, Benny Blanco, Latto, Lil Nas X, Lauren Daigle, Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Baby, Burna Boy, H.E.R., Miranda Lambert (husband Brendan McLoughlin), Luke Combs (wife Nicole Hocking Combs), Melissa Etheridge, Demi Lovato (boyfriend Jordan Lutes), Paris Hilton, and more.
Critically-acclaimed actor, Kevin Costner, kicked off the evening with an introduction to Davis, followed by a moment of reminiscing as he honored the late Whitney Houston. The two came to know each other while on set of the romance drama, The Bodyguard, in 1992. Jennifer Hudson also celebrated Houston with a stunning performance of “Greatest Love of All.”
“We were both struck by Whitney the first time we ever saw her. Whitney would be our common ground,” said Costner.
“Neither one of us, in the end, could protect your beloved Whitney,” he continued in his emotional speech. “You were a miracle in her life. Thank you for being her bodyguard, Clive.”
Later on in the night, industry icons, Julie Greenwald and Craig Kallman were honored as part of the Recording Academy’s Salute to Industry Icons. Before getting the chance to share a few words in their acceptance speeches, they were recognized by a few of their clients at Atlantic Records. Cardi introduced the leaders and contemporary Christian artist, Lauren Daigle, performed the Dusty Springfield signature track, “Son of a Preacher Man.”
Overall, the night was filled with stardom as both emerging talent and established stars got the chance to meet their fellow industry members and relish in the passions that they’re each pursuing.
Artists like Lizzo, Elvis Costello, the Imposters, Latto, Lil Baby, Måneskin and more also took to the stage to show off their musical talent for an evening of fun before the main event took place on Sunday (Feb. 5).
Davis also previously announced that the final performance of the night would be conducted by the star of Broadway’s MJ the Musical, Myles Frost, who flew out to deliver an array of Michael Jackson songs including “Billie Jean” and “Rock With You.”
“As you know, the show can run for a few hours, so at some point early on, I will say, ‘If you leave before the end, you leave it at your peril, because you will miss the final performer of the night,’” he revealed. “Seeing the impact of the party over the years, the producers of the Michael Jackson Broadway musical have agreed for its incredibly talented star, Myles Frost, to fly out here for the weekend and do the finale.”
While sporting a sparkling black jacket, white mesh shirt and white pants, Frost effortlessly replicated the dance styling of the late King of Pop and brought the night to a close with his upbeat performance.
See photos from Clive Davis’ star-studded Pre-GRAMMYs Party below.
The 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards featured performances from Bad Bunny, Mary J. Blige, Brandi Carlile, Luke Combs, Steve Lacy, Lizzo, Kim Petras, Sam Smith, Harry Styles, Chris Stapleton, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and more.
“Music’s Biggest Night” also included an all-star 50th Anniversary celebration of hip hop, which included performances by Big Boi, Busta Rhymes with Spliff Star, De La Soul, DJ Drama, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Missy Elliott, Future, GloRilla, Grandmaster Flash, Grandmaster Mele Mel & Scorpio/Ethiopian King, Ice-T, Lil Baby, Lil Wayne, The Lox, Method Man, Nelly, Public Enemy, Queen Latifah, Rahiem, Rakim, RUN-DMC, Salt-N-Pepa and Spinderella, Scarface, Swizz Beatz, and Too $hort. LL COOL J will be on hand to introduce the segment and give a dedication to hip hop.
Several tributes also took place during the In Memoriam segment at the all-genre ceremony. Sheryl Crow, Mick Fleetwood and Bonnie Raitt paid homage to late Fleetwood Mac member, Christine McVie, with a performance of McVie’s “Songbird.”
Maverick City Music and Quavo also remembered the late Migos rapper, Takeoff, with a special tribute performance of “Without You,” a song that Quavo wrote after his passing.
First Lady Jill Biden, Cardi B, James Corden, Billy Crystal, Viola Davis, Dwayne Johnson, Olivia Rodrigo, and Shania Twain and more were on hand to present during the ceremony.
Beyoncé led the pack with nine nominations, including the prestigious Album Of The Year (Renaissance). Following behind Beyoncé are Kendrick Lamar with eight nods, Adele and Brandi Carlile with seven nominations as well as Mary J. Blige, DJ Khaled, Harry Styles, Future, The Dream and Randy Merrill have six. For a full list of 2023 GRAMMY nominees click HERE.
Prior to the GRAMMY Awards, several winners were revealed during the GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony at the Microsoft Theater in the City Of Angels. For a full list of winner, visit live.GRAMMY.com.
Co-hosted by GRAMMY-nominated comedian Trevor Noah, the 2023 GRAMMYs broadcasted live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 5 at 8/7c on CBS. The coveted awards ceremony also streamed live and on demand via Paramount+.
