Travis Scott

Travis Scott

Photo: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images

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Everyone's A VIP At Clive Davis' Pre-GRAMMY Gala: From Travis Scott To Jimmy Jam To Brandi Carlile

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Pass through the velvet rope at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles for an exclusive look at the star-studded 2019 Pre-GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Feb 10, 2019 - 11:27 am

On Feb. 9, on the eve of Music's Biggest Night, the 61st GRAMMY Awards, artists from across genres and decades gathered at the glitzy Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. for the 2019 Pre-GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons.

Walk The 2019 Pre-GRAMMY Gala Red Carpet

Less than 24 hours before the big red carpet walk today, the likes of current GRAMMY nominees Ella Mai, Dua Lipa, Diplo, Shaggy, Alice Cooper and Weird Al Yankovich, and GRAMMY winners Melissa Etheridge and Quincy Jones, brought their vibrant energy and killer looks at the annual celebration hosted by the Recording Academy and Clive Davis. Onlookers tried to spy the glam looks on the red carpet as they peered into the hotel's glass—we'll let you past the velvet rope and walk it with us as at this exclusive music industry event.

Dua Lipa & Ellie Goulding

Dua Lipa & Ellie Goulding | Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images

This year's who's-who of music gala celebrated iconic industry veteran Clarence Avant, known as the Godfather Of Black Music, as the honoree of the evening. Like event host and fellow legend Davis, he helped launch the careers of many great artists, working with the likes of GRAMMY-winning greats Bill Withers, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis of The Time.

The video celebrating Avant had countless heroes such as Former President Barack Obama, Jones, Diddy and JAY-Z sharing how much they love Avant, the powerful impact he's made on their lives and music, and how he always knows the right thing to say. Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow introduced him with a fitting complement, and a huge one given the company they were in: "You're the ultimate music person." The Time properly brought the funk on stage to celebrate Avant with a performance of their '80s hits "The Bird" and "Jungle Love," dancing as if no time had passed.

Current GRAMMY nominee Travis Scott set the mood opening the evening's performances with "Goosebumps" and "Sicko Mode," while sisters and fellow nominees Chloe x Halle brought home a rousing cover of the late GRAMMY-winning Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin's "Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves." Brandi Carlile, another current GRAMMY nominee, returned to the stage to join the duo, along with past nominee Valerie Simpson and Broadway star Keala Settle, ending the evening on quite the high note.

Chloe x Halle

Chloe x Halle | Photo: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images

Other musical guests for the evening included current nominees Bebe Rexha, Florida Georgia Line and H.E.R., along with past nominees Jazmine Sullivan and Ledisi, plus GRAMMY winner Rob Thomas. Sullivan and Thomas offered a powerful duet, belting out Aretha and George Michael's "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)."

As the evening rolled on, Davis made sure to highlight all the countless legends in the room, as the crowd continuously burst into applause and often up on their feet to celebrate the likes of music greats Barbara Streisand, George Clinton and Dionne Warwick, along with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Apple's Tim Cook and even former-L.A. Lakers star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Don't forget to tune in to the 2019 GRAMMYs live from Staples Center today. Start with the GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony at 12:30 p.m. PST/3:30 ET, then follow us to the red carpet at 2:00 p.m. PST/5:00 p.m. ET—both will be live streamed right here on right here on GRAMMY.com.

Then the moment you've all been waiting for, the 61st GRAMMY Awards, hosted by 15-time GRAMMY winner Alicia Keys, will air live at 5:00 p.m. PST/8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT on CBS.

GRAMMY Nominees In Their Own Words: Brandi Carlile, H.E.R., Shawn Mendes, Janelle Monaé & More

Clarence Avant

Clarence Avant 

Photo: Rick Diamond/WireImage 

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Clarence Avant, Godfather Of Black Music, To Be Honored At Pre-GRAMMY Gala

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The Pioneering music executive will be celebrated on Feb. 9 during GRAMMY Week
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Jan 25, 2019 - 12:10 pm

The Recording Academy and Clive Davis have announced the Feb. 9 2019 GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons gala will honor Clarence Avant, the multi-faceted music industry executive also known as the Godfather of Black Music.

"We are incredibly excited to honor Clarence Avant with this year’s GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Award," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "His pioneering work in the industry has redefined what it means to be a leader and opened countless doors for musicians from all backgrounds."

"For several decades Clarence Avant has been the quintessential adviser to almost every successful African-American music executive and artist," said Davis, the Pre-GRAMMY Gala co-host. "He defined the term master mentor and definitely has played a vital role in music history." Davis and Avant have both received the Recording Academy's Trustees Award in 2000 and 2008 respectively.

Artists such as Jimmy Jam and Quincy Jones testify for all Avant has done. Avant's own labels and other entertainment businesses placed him in varied top leadership roles, but he also always took the time to reach out and help others. More than 10 years ago, Jimmy Jam said Avant was "one of those who broke the mold," truly one-of-a-kind.

The event takes place during GRAMMY Week on the evening before the 61st GRAMMY Awards and is by invitation only.

GRAMMYs

Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

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Your Favorite Artists React To Their 2019 GRAMMY Nominations

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Share in the excitement as this year's nominees take to social media to react to the good news
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Dec 8, 2018 - 9:05 am

The past 24 hours have been filled with celebration, gratitude and even some tears of joy, after the nominees for the 2019 GRAMMY Awards were announced bright and early on Dec. 7.

Nominated artists took to social media to share their reactions with fans, fellow artists and the Recording Academy, leaving everyone feeling the positive glow as the excitement for the 61st GRAMMYs continues to build.

Read on to see the reactions from some of your favorite artists, including first-time nominees Camila Cabello, Dua Lipa, Ella Mai, Greta Van Fleet and H.E.R., return nominees like Cardi B and Pusha-T and past GRAMMY winners such as Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Pharrell Williams and Zedd.

But first, let's check in with the 2019 Best New Artist contenders: Bebe Rexha, Chloe X Halle, Dua Lipa, Greta Van Fleet, H.E.R., Jorja Smith and Margo Price all took to Twitter to celebrate, with sisters Chloe and Halle sharing a video of them holding each other and crying, while Rexha shared a teary clip as well. Lipa shared several posts, including one that summed it up well: "TWO NOMINATIONS TWO GRAMMY NOMINATIONS IM SO HAPPY BUT I CANT STOP CRYING I CANT BELIEVE IT!!!!"

Bebe Rexha

Chloe X Halle

Dua Lipa

Greta Van Fleet

H.E.R.

Jorja Smith

Margo Price

In addition to Best New Artist nominees, there were quite a few more first-time GRAMMY nominees this year, and their joy about the news was equally palpable. Cabello, like Lipa, shared several posts on Twitter, one of which reading: "I usually can't shut up but right now I’m speechless. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU."

Camila Cabello

Ella Mai

Florida Georgia Line

Missy Mazolli

Shawn Mendes

Next up, let's take a look at a few artists who have been nominated in the past: Pusha-T, who is nominated for Best Rap Album for Daytona, shared this message with his fans: "12/7/18: From this day forward it's, 'The GRAMMY Nominated' Pusha-T. Thank you for your cooperation... #Daytona."

Meanwhile, Cardi learned about her nominations in an unconventional way, but she was excited about her second round, nonetheless.

Cardi B

Pusha-T

6LACK

Finally, we looked to some of your favorite past GRAMMY winners who are up for additional awards this year: Zedd has added three more nominations to his tally for the hit single "The Middle" featuring Maren Morris and Grey, including Record Of The Year, posting "holy f*** I just woke up to 3 (!) GRAMMY nominations."

Multi-hyphenate Pharrell may already have quite a few wins under his belt, but is still stoked to be nominated for Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical, sharing: "THANK YOU @RecordingAcad. Truly honored."

Kacey Musgraves

Lady Gaga

Mark Ronson

Pharrell Williams

Zedd

Congratulations to all of the nominees! Come back to grammy.com for more 61st GRAMMY Awards content with your favorite artists and tune in to Music's Biggest Night on Feb. 10 for even more excitement as we find out who the winners are.

2019 GRAMMY Awards: Complete Nominations List

Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin

Photo: ABC Photo Archives/Getty Images

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Patti LaBelle, John Legend, SZA, Alicia Keys, Common & More Celebrate Aretha Franklin

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Artists across generations and genres convened to celebrate the beloved singer's life with moving performances and tributes at "Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen Of Soul"
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Mar 5, 2019 - 10:41 am

On Jan. 13, 2019, the historic Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles was filled with cheers, laughter and some tears as dozens of stars took to the stage to pay tribute to the late GRAMMY-winning icon Aretha Franklin with a special concert called Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen Of Soul.

Hosted by actor and comedian Tyler Perry, the talent-filled show featured performances from artists spanning generations, including Patti LaBelle, Alicia Keys, SZA, Janelle Monáe, John Legend, Yolanda Adams, Common, Alessia Cara, Brandi Carlile, Chloe x Halle, Celine Dion, Fantasia, H.E.R. and more.

Brandi Carlile, Jennifer Hudson, More Honor Aretha

Moving Musical Tributes

Every tribute had the packed auditorium either dancing or swaying in their seats; at times the crowd was even moved to standing ovations. As recent first-time GRAMMY winning R&B artist H.E.R. said during her backstage interview, "I don't know one singer that doesn't listen to Aretha Franklin."

H.E.R. brought out her guitar and silky vocals as she sang "I Say A Little Prayer For You." Meanwhile, Fantasia hit all the high notes with grace as fellow GRAMMY winner Rob Thomas joined her for a lively duet of "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)," Aretha's 1986 song with GRAMMY winner George Michael.

H.E.R. Honors Aretha Franklin

GRAMMY winner Yolanda Adams also gave two stunning performances, one a rousing nod to Aretha's gospel choir beginnings with a moving medley with fellow GRAMMY-winning gospel singers Shirley Caesar and Bebe Winans.

Earlier in the evening, GRAMMY-winning rapper and social justice advocate Common joined her for a powerful performance of "Young, Gifted And Black," which brought the whole crowd into a booming standing ovation. The song was originally written and recorded by Nina Simone and covered a few years later by Aretha as the GRAMMY-winning title track for her 18th studio album.

Patti LaBelle: No One Can Channel Aretha Franklin

Performers also included GRAMMY-nominated R&B sister duo Chloe x Halle, who sang "Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves" in coordinating sparkly fringe dresses. GRAMMY-winning Godmother Of Soul Patti LaBelle took it home as she wowed with "Call Me" in a shimmery black pantsuit number. She closing the song singing "We love you Aretha, we'll never forget you," to another standing ovation.

Alicia Keys and John Legend bookended the evening with their powerful voices and mesmerizing piano skills, Keys offering a medley with GRAMMY-nominated R&B singer SZA while Legend took on "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

More Aretha Accolades

In addition to performances from Aretha's admirers and peers, the show featured moving speeches and archival footage, which offered background to the songs and recounted milestones from Aretha's career, including videos of her singing at both Bill Clinton's and Barack Obama's Presidential inaugurations.

Fellow GRAMMY-winning, Detroit-raised music icon Smokey Robinson even took it way back as he shared the heartfelt story of meeting a six-year-old Aretha, whom he said would go on to become his "life-long friend" and the "Princess Of Soul." Another longtime friend and music industry icon, GRAMMY-winning producer and all around legend Clive Davis, also gave a powerful speech, asserting "there will never ever be another Aretha."

Stay tuned to GRAMMY.com to watch several full performances from the evening, to be released soon.

You can also sign up for our newly relaunched weekly newsletter and subscribe to our YouTube channel for keep up with all of our fresh GRAMMY video content and news.

Aretha Franklin's GRAMMY History: Remembering The Queen Of Soul

Photo: Alison Buck/Getty Images

TLC 

Photo: Alison Buck/Getty Images

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Relive GRAMMY Week 2019 In Pictures

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The days leading up to the 61st GRAMMY Awards were filled with star-studded events around Los Angeles honoring some of music's greats—let's take a look at the highlights
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Feb 12, 2019 - 5:51 pm

The 61st GRAMMY Awards on Feb. 10 really lived up to its name as Music's Biggest Night, with tons of show-stopping performances, powerful speeches and big wins throughout the night.

Yet the big show was just one piece of the excitement for a celebratory and star-studded GRAMMY Week. Let's take a look at pictures capturing the big moments from some of the other events you may have missed last week.

Kacey Musgraves & Willie Nelson
GRAMMY Week 2019 In Photos

GRAMMY Week was in full-force midweek, with the Producers & Engineers Wing Celebration honoring GRAMMY-winning country legend Willie Nelson on Feb. 6. Artists including fellow GRAMMY winner Dave Matthews paid tribute to the icon.

The week continued with engaging programs and events from the GRAMMY Museum, most of which were geared towards aspiring musicians. This included a Mississippi Songwriting Workshop for local students on Feb. 7, followed by an evening event celebrating the blues with performances from PJ Morton and more. Also on Feb. 7, GRAMMY In The Schools Live! celebrated music educators like honoree Jeffery Redding and rocked The Montalbán with performances from alumni of GRAMMY Camp, one of the museum's student-focused offerings.

Related: See Post Malone, Bebe Rexha And More In The Audience At The 2019 GRAMMYs

There were also handfuls of great sponsored parties, like the Delta Airline's event on Feb. 7 featuring Ella Mai and the Bulova Brunch on Feb. 9 featuring GRAMMY-winning great Chaka Khan.

On Feb. 8, the MusiCares Person Of The Year Celebration celebrated their 2019 honoree, the GRAMMY-winning queen of country Dolly Parton. Her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, along with Katy Perry, Shawn Mendes and more celebrated the legend with dazzling Dolly-inspired looks and tribute performances.

More Pics: The Hottest 2019 GRAMMYs Red Carpet Looks In Photos

Less than 24 hours before the big night, many of the stars that would be onstage and in the audience, including Travis Scott, Brandi Carlile, Chloe x Halle and H.E.R., gave a killer show and practiced their red carpet poses at the Pre-GRAMMY Gala. The insanely star-studded event hosted by industry legend Clive Davis celebrated fellow industry greats, including the evening special honoree Clarence Avant.

Check It Out: BTS To Maren Morris: Backstage At The 2019 GRAMMYs

Immediately following the 61st GRAMMY Awards, TLC and En Vogue kept the party going at the GRAMMY Celebration. Check out the photo gallery above to get an insider's look at all these events and visit the links for more photo galleries, including backstage and on the red carpet at the show.

From Dolly To H.E.R.: 10 Unforgettable 2019 GRAMMYs Moments