“This night is so special,” Clive Davis said to the star-studded room at Los Angeles’ Beverly Hilton Hotel, which included legendary artists and rising stars, beloved actors and distinguished personalities. “It’s special that we celebrate music [and] artistry.”
As always, Davis was introduced by a succession of esteemed friends, including Harvey Mason Jr., who introduced Gayle King, who then queued up a video intro from Barack Obama. In his pre-recorded message to Clive, Obama ended with two simple instructions: “Have a wonderful evening — and, of course, enjoy the music.”
This year’s Pre-Grammy Gala (which took place Saturday, Jan. 31), honored Republic co-founders Monte and Avery Lipman, who received the 2026 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons honor. Their introduction was a similar relay race of major names that kicked off with a video introduction from Jimmy Fallon followed by remarks from Lucian Grainge, who said of the Lipman brothers: “Some people only see the outcome, not the journey. But take it from me, success on their level is not inevitable.” Grainge’s remarks were then followed by the one and only Stevie Wonder, who declared: “Believe it, this is just the beginning” for Monte and Avery.
While the Lipman brothers delivered separate speeches accepting their honor, the throughline was their emphases on family — by blood or otherwise. The sentiment underlined exactly what Clive aims to accomplish with his gala each year by gathering his real and chosen family together for a celebration of music’s brightest stars, new and old.
And while the usual suspects showed up — including Nancy Pelosi and Joni Mitchell, among other longtime friends and repeat attendees — a handful of more surprising guests filled the room, such as Max Martin, Cameron Crowe, Bernie Taupin, Frankie Valli and Martha Stewart.
Other attendees included Dave Grohl with his daughter Violet, Sharon and Jack Osbourne, Paris Hilton, Lana Del Rey, Karol G, Noah Kahan, Diplo, Demi Lovato and many more.
And while the evening included 10 stellar performances — from MGK and Jelly Roll, Alex Warren, Clipse and John Legend, Darren Criss and Laufey, Olivia Dean, the singing voices of HUNTR/X (EJAE, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna), Sombr, Jennifer Hudson, Dan + Shay and Art Garfunkel — these five moments stood out as the best of the night.
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Opening Ode to the Prince of Darkness
The evening kicked off with a roaring tribute to the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, who died in July 2025. MGK started the set with a performance of “I Don’t Wanna Stop” and then introduced his pal Jelly Roll, who performed a touching take on “Mama I’m Coming Home.”
“Rest in Peace to the Prince of Darkness… to a great husband, a great father, a great musician… Ozzy Osbourne,” Jelly Roll said at the end of his performance, speaking in the direction of Sharon and Jack Osbourne’s table. And after, on his way to rejoin his own table, Jelly Roll was stopped by Sharon, who was waiting to embrace him in a long, appreciative hug.
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Not So ‘Ordinary’ Sing-Along
Best new artist nominee Alex Warren followed MGK and Jelly Roll’s paired performance. Naturally, Warren sang his breakout hit (and Hot 100 chart-topper), the soaring pop-ballad “Ordinary.” And as he nailed his vocal performance on stage, those in the audience couldn’t help but sing along. Chlöe (who was seated next to her sister Halle Bailey) jammed out the entire time, while former BNA nominee Shaboozey along with Jelly and his wife Bunnie Xo danced through the performance at their front-row table, enthusiastically cheering Warren on.
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Bernie Taupin’s Zesty Tribute
Darren Criss had the honor of celebrating Bernie Taupin with the iconic songwriter in the room — and he delivered. Criss seamlessly performed the Elton John classic “Bennie And The Jets,” after which he thanked Taupin “for the inspiration.”
But that wasn’t all.
“I think a duet would be cool, right?” Criss asked the crowd, which replied with cheers and applause in anticipation of the upcoming guest. Seconds later, Laufey joined Criss on stage for a jazzy spin on the infectious “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” which John recorded with English singer Kiki Dee.
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Finding the Men Olivia Dean Needs
Best new artist nominee Olivia Dean followed the Bernie Taupin tribute, and kept the room on its feet — especially two fans in particular.
While singing “Man I Need,” Dean was cheered on by an energized front row that included former BNA nominee Noah Kahan and fellow current BNA nominee Sombr. The two clapped and sang along the entire time, with Sombr bowing down to Dean in admiration. Even as the audience gave her a standing ovation, Sombr continued his role as hype man, turning to the crowd to motion for even more applause.
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Art Garfunkel’s Heartfelt Finale
If anyone knows what makes for a grande finale, it’s Clive Davis. This year, he saved a special tribute to Art Garfunkel as his gala’s closing act. But before Art himself took to the stage, country duo Dan + Shay delivered their signature soaring harmonies on “Mrs. Robinson” and “All I Know.”
Following their medley, Art first thanked Clive for many things — including, as he said, “my career.” He then read a poem he once wrote for his father, before concluding the evening with a stripped-down and touching solo performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” But perhaps best of all? Garfunkel paired his black tie tux with a maroon Philadelphia Phillies cap — as only a legend can.
