Saturday night’s legendary Clive Davis pre-Grammy gala opened with an emotional tribute that set the tone for an evening filled with unforgettable performances.
Heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away last summer, was honored by MGK and Jelly Roll at the star-studded Beverly Hilton event.
The tribute kicked off a night that would honor music industry titans, showcase breakthrough talent, and prove once again why Davis’ annual gala remains the most coveted invitation of Grammy week.
From standing ovations to surprise performances, the 93-year-old music executive’s party delivered moments that won’t soon be forgotten.
Prince of Darkness Gets His Due
MGK opened the evening with Osbourne’s “I Don’t Wanna Stop,” followed by Jelly Roll’s rendition of “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” The collaboration between the rock artist and country star created a powerful cross-genre tribute.
Rest in peace, Ozzy. Bring it home, Jelly.
Sharon Osbourne was among the A-list attendees witnessing the emotional homage to her late husband.
Beverly Hills Declares “Clive Davis Day”
Before Davis took the stage in his signature sequined suit, Recording Academy President Harvey Mason Jr. announced that January 31st had been officially designated “Clive Davis Day” by the city of Beverly Hills.
Davis addressed an audience packed with industry legends and cultural icons, including Joni Mitchell, Nancy Pelosi, Berry Gordy, and Brandi Carlile.
I think you’re gonna have an incredible time this evening.
That statement proved to be a massive understatement.
Performances Come Fast and Furious
Following the Osbourne tribute, the night exploded with diverse musical acts. Alex Warren performed his hit “Ordinary,” while sombr delivered “12 to 12.”
Clipse teamed up with John Legend for the soulful “The Birds Don’t Sing.” Olivia Dean, a frontrunner for best new artist at the 2026 Grammys, showcased “Man I Need.”
HUNTR/X Steals the Show
The standout performance came from HUNTR/X, a fictional girl group from “Kpop Demon Hunters” comprised of very real vocalists Ejae (voice of Rumi), Audrey Nuna (Mira), and Rei Ami (Zoey). Their full-throated rendition of “Golden” captivated the room.
Bernie Taupin and Elton John’s Legacy Celebrated
A midshow tribute to Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s principal collaborator and lyricist, got attendees on their feet. Darren Criss launched into “Benny and the Jets” before Laufey joined him for the duet “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.”
Later, Jennifer Hudson paid homage to the late Roberta Flack with “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” while Dan + Shay honored Art Garfunkel.
Art Garfunkel Closes with Classic
Garfunkel himself took the stage to close the evening with “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Before performing, he shared the inspiration behind the song’s arrangement.
The track was styled after Phil Spector’s production on “Ol’ Man River,” saving the biggest orchestration for the final line—an unusual choice that Davis believed in from the start.
Republic Records Founders Honored
Monte Lipman and Avery Lipman, CEO and COO of Republic Records respectively, received the 2026 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons Award. The brothers used their speeches to highlight Universal Music Group’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Even Stevie Wonder performed to celebrate their achievements. Republic Records is consistently recognized as one of the most influential labels in modern music.
Don Lemon Receives Standing Ovation
Independent journalist Don Lemon, who was released from custody Friday after federal civil rights charges related to his protest coverage, received a standing ovation when Davis gave him a shout-out.
Lemon had been arrested over his coverage of an anti-immigration enforcement protest that disrupted services at a Minnesota church.
Different Tone Than Last Year
This year’s gala struck a markedly different tone compared to 2025, when the event was transformed to focus on relief efforts following devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires.
Outside the venue, a small group of anti-immigration enforcement protesters with megaphones demonstrated against Hilton Worldwide. Recent protests in NYC and Minneapolis have targeted Hilton, with demonstrators wearing shirts reading “Hilton houses ICE” and demanding the company stop housing federal immigration officers.
Obama Praises Davis’ Unique Vision
Early in the evening, President Barack Obama appeared via video message to honor Davis.
Clive’s talent has always been seeing and hearing what other people don’t.
Obama listed just a few artists Davis helped launch: Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, and Whitney Houston.
The Most Exclusive Guest List in Music
Gaining admittance to Davis’ gala is notoriously difficult. This year’s A-list attendees included:
- Diplo
- Karol G
- Pharrell Williams
- Dave Grohl
- Diane Warren
- Yungblud
- Colman Domingo
- Jeff Goldblum
- Gladys Knight
- Lana Del Rey
- Shaboozey
- Max Martin
- Jack Antonoff
Why Davis’ Party Remains Grammy Week’s Highlight
Gayle King summarized what makes this annual event so special when she quoted Diane Warren at the top of the show.
He’s the best friend a song ever had.
At 93, Davis continues proving why his talent for recognizing greatness remains unmatched. With a room packed full of legends he discovered and nurtured, plus today’s biggest stars, the evidence speaks for itself.
The gala serves as both celebration and masterclass—a reminder that behind every great artist is often someone who believed in them first.