Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala: HUNTR/X, Art Garfunkel, Clipse and more
Beverly Hills, California, played host to a star-studded pre-Grammy gala Saturday night, an event marked by heartfelt tributes and industry recognition. The evening began with a poignant nod to heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away last summer, as MGK and Jelly Roll performed his signature songs “I Don’t Wanna Stop” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.”
A Night of Musical Homage
The Clive Davis pre-Grammys gala featured a diverse lineup of performances. Alex Warren performed “Ordinary,” sombr delivered “12 to 12,” and Clipse joined John Legend for a soulful rendition of “The Birds Don’t Sing.” Olivia Dean, considered a top contender for best new artist at the 2026 Grammys, also took the stage with “Man I Need.”
A standout performance came from HUNTR/X, performing “Golden” from “Kpop Demon Hunters,” a unique act comprised of the singers Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami. The evening also included a tribute to Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s longtime lyricist, featuring performances by Darren Criss and Laufey.
Industry Leaders Honored
Prior to the musical performances, Recording Academy President and CEO Harvey Mason jr. Took the stage. The gala also served as a platform to honour Monte and Avery Lipman, founders of Republic Records, with the 2026 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons Award. Stevie Wonder even offered his praise during the ceremony, acknowledging the Lipman brothers’ impact on the music industry.
This year’s gala held a different tone than the previous year’s event, which was refocused on providing relief efforts following the Los Angeles-area wildfires.
Beyond the Stage
The event wasn’t without external commentary. A small group of protesters demonstrated outside the Beverly Hilton, voicing opposition to immigration enforcement policies and calling on Hilton Worldwide to cease housing federal immigration officers. Inside, Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to the late Roberta Flack with a performance of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” while Dan + Shay honored Art Garfunkel, who closed the show with “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
The guest list included a who’s who of the entertainment world, including Joni Mitchell, Nancy Pelosi, Berry Gordy, Brandi Carlile, Diplo, Karol G, Pharrell Williams, and Don Lemon, who received a standing ovation after being released from custody following federal civil rights charges related to a protest he covered in Minnesota.
A video message from President Barack Obama lauded Davis’s ability to identify talent, citing Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, and Whitney Houston as examples of artists he championed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What artists performed at the Clive Davis pre-Grammy gala?
MGK, Jelly Roll, Alex Warren, sombr, Clipse, John Legend, Olivia Dean, HUNTR/X, Darren Criss, Laufey, Jennifer Hudson, and Dan + Shay all performed at the gala.
Who received the Grammy Salute to Industry Icons Award?
Monte and Avery Lipman, the founders of Republic Records, were honored with the 2026 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons Award.
What was the significance of the protest outside the Beverly Hilton?
Protesters demonstrated against Hilton Worldwide, calling for the company to stop housing federal immigration officers, and referencing similar demonstrations in New York City and Minneapolis.
As the music industry prepares for the 68th Grammy Awards on February 1st, it remains to be seen which artists will take home the top honours, and how the momentum from events like the Clive Davis gala will influence the outcomes.