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LOS ANGELES — Five decades ago, music impresario Clive Davis hosted a celebration for the release of Arista Records’ inaugural Grammy-nominated track, Barry Manilow’s “Mandy.” The event was graced by notable figures including Stevie Wonder, John Denver, and Elton John. This initial gathering aimed merely to honor an iconic song has since evolved into one of the year’s most talked-about and exclusive events: the annual pre-Grammy fundraising gala held by Davis, occurring each year on the Saturday preceding the Grammy Awards.
At the 2025 edition of this benefit event, once again taking place at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, Manilow revisited his 1975 classic. His performance was prefaced by a brief video showcasing him performing the same song fifty years prior, eliciting laughter when he jested, “Can you believe I looked like that? Can you believe Clive looked like that?”
Despite the festive atmosphere, the backdrop of recent catastrophic wildfires in the Los Angeles area, which had devastated over 14,000 buildings and displaced countless residents, weighed heavily on the occasion. The evening was marked by heightened efforts to raise funds and awareness for victims of the fires. QR codes were visible at each table and projected on screens throughout the venue to encourage attendees to donate to the Recording Academy and its MusiCares charity aimed at supporting relief initiatives. Notably, the event, notorious for lasting into the early hours, wrapped up at a timely 11:30 p.m. to keep focus on the fundraising goals.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. highlighted the occasion’s distinct nature in his opening remarks, stating, “This one is a little different. We knew we could use this platform to honor first responders and celebrate the resilience of this community.” He proudly announced that through their wildfire relief efforts, the Academy had garnered nearly $5 million in support.
The focus on community support was especially poignant, as this gala was among the limited Grammy week events that remained on schedule amid the chaos caused by the fires. Numerous performers took the opportunity to spotlight the importance of aiding those affected by the wildfires.
Following a stripped-down rendition of his 2018 hit “Sunflower,” which holds the distinction of being the first double-diamond certified single at 20x platinum, Post Malone urged attendees to “please take care of the people kicking ass on the front lines, the first responders.” The performances ranged from iconic artists like Joni Mitchell, who moved listeners with her rendition of “Both Sides Now,” to emerging talents such as Samara Joy and the 2025 best new artist nominees including Doechii, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims, and Benson Boone, the latter entertaining with an impressive flip to conclude his act.
Throughout the night, there were heartfelt tributes to the legendary producer Quincy Jones. Michael Bublé delivered a touching cover of “Fly Me to the Moon,” Jennifer Hudson passionately sang Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and gospel singer Yolanda Adams closed the evening with an emotional rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.”
The prestigious 2025 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons Award was bestowed upon Jody Gerson, chairwoman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group, during this star-studded gathering. Reflecting on her early days, she humorously admitted, “I have a confession. There were a few times early in my career where I crashed this party,” expressing deep gratitude for finally receiving an invitation and for the honor itself. “Music can brighten our darkest days,” she proclaimed, emphasizing the dire need for artists to bring hope in challenging times.
Gerson’s accolades include breaking significant barriers as the first female chair of a global music corporation and the first woman to lead a major music publishing company, boasting a roster of collaborations with superstars such as Malone, Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, and Taylor Swift among others. Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge, who introduced her that evening, hailed Gerson as a transformative figure in music publishing.
Admission to Davis’ gala is notoriously tough to secure, yet this year’s guest list included high-profile personalities like Jennifer Lopez, Babyface, Gayle King, and Nancy Pelosi. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel humorously likened it to “Clive Davis’ bar mitzvah,” before bringing the evening’s honoree to the forefront, praising him as “a living legend.” Given Davis’s significant contributions to the music industry—with notable figures like Whitney Houston and Bruce Springsteen under his wing—it’s no wonder the event was eagerly anticipated. However, this year’s celebration emphasized the unifying power of music in the face of disaster, demonstrating how the industry can come together to support one another.
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