Friday, February 18, 2011
We tried to use
Magic Johnson’s name to get into
Clive Davis’ fabulous
Pre-Grammy Gala, but were turned away at the door.
For the third year, the Recording Academy co-hosted the star-studded evening at the Beverly Hilton on the Saturday night before the following evening’s awards ceremony.
“I actually have no idea what the fucking award is. I’m sure he deserves it,” said Cher, introducing David Geffen, the evening’s honoree and recipient of the President’s Merit Award
Clive would later use the same expletive to introduce Cee Lo Green’s performance of the Grammy-winning “Fuck You,” while Glee members mingled, Neil Young chatted with Quincy Jones, Brandy danced to the performances and everyone from Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry to Jane Fonda and Warren Beatty schmoozed with one another.
For a full page of photos, go here.
Among the highlights: Mary J. Blige serenading Geffen with Joni Mitchell’s “Free Man in Paris,” the song she wrote about her then-manager in 1974. Mumford & Sons and Janelle Monae both showed why they’re two of the most promising newcomers around. R. Kelly entered with a funky version of the national anthem, while Jennifer Hudson offered a tribute to Aretha Franklin with “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” a song she’d sing the next night at the Grammys. Glee’s Matthew Morrison pulled out a ukulele to perform “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
The finale occurred when Whitney Houston took the stage to celebrate cousin Dionne Warwick’s 50 years in music with a medley of hits, including “:Walk on By,” “I Say a Little Prayer” and “Alfie” before being joined by Warwick for “That’s What Friends Are For.”
Davis pulled his one-time ingénue close to him at the podium and offered, “I found you when you were 19. I’m still your boss.”
And, with that, Clive’s annual shindig came to a close.
