Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala: Meet the Stars in This Year’s Class Photo

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At the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala on January 31, Grammy nominees Laufey, Alex Warren, and sombr were spotted sharing a warm embrace in a private room behind the red carpet at Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. “It’s my bestie,” Laufey remarked as they gathered together.

The star-studded guest list featured notable figures such as Jelly Roll, John Legend, Olivia Dean, and Art Garfunkel, all handpicked by Davis. Throughout the evening, various artists, including MGK, Clipse, Darren Criss, the voices behind HUNTR/X, Jennifer Hudson, and Dan + Shay, showcased a total of ten performances.

Opening the night, Jelly Roll and MGK delivered a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, while Criss and Laufey performed a medley of Elton John hits to honor songwriter Bernie Taupin. Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to the late Roberta Flack, and best new artist nominees sombr, Alex Warren, and Olivia Dean took the stage with their breakout hits: “12 to 12,” “Ordinary,” and “Man I Need,” respectively.

“This night is so special,” Davis addressed the industry elite, which included Joni Mitchell, Max Martin, Taupin, Dave Grohl, Sharon and Jack Osbourne, Lana Del Rey, and Karol G. “It’s special that we celebrate music [and] artistry.”

This year’s gala recognized Republic Records’ co-founders Monte and Avery Lipman, who received the 2026 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons accolade. Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge highlighted their journey, stating, “Some people only see the outcome, not the journey. But take it from me, success on their level is not inevitable.”

• Olivia Dean

  Olivia Dean photographed on Jan. 31, 2025 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

• Sombr

  

  Sombr photographed on Jan. 31, 2025 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

• Jennifer Hudson

  

  Jennifer Hudson photographed on Jan. 31, 2025 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

• Alex Warren

  

  Alex Warren photographed on Jan. 31, 2025 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

• Laufey

  

  Laufey photographed on Jan. 31, 2025 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

• John Legend

  

  John Legend photographed on Jan. 31, 2025 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

• Gayle King

  

  Gayle King photographed on Jan. 31, 2025 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

• Machine Gun Kelly

  

  Machine Gun Kelly photographed on Jan. 31, 2025 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

• Dan + Shay

  

  Dan + Shay photographed on Jan. 31, 2025 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

• Darren Criss

  

  Darren Criss photographed on Jan. 31, 2025 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

• Art Garfunkel

  

  Art Garfunkel photographed on Jan. 31, 2025 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

• Clive Davis

  

  Clive Davis photographed on Jan. 31, 2025 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

• Avery & Monte Lipman

  

  Avery and Monte Lipman photographed on Jan. 31, 2025 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.