LOS ANGELES -- The music world lost a giant when heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne died last summer.So, what better way to kick off the famed Clive Davis pre-Grammys gala Saturday night than with a tribute to the prince of darkness?MGK (formerly known as Machine Gun Kelly) and country star Jelly Roll began the night of live music and tributes with Osbourne's “I Don't Wanna Stop” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” respectively, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif.“Rest in peace, Ozzy,” MGK said.
“Bring it home, Jelly.” Performances followed fast and furious from there: Alex Warren brought his “Ordinary” hit; sombr did “12 to 12”; Clipse and John Legend’s “The Birds Don’t Sing” told a soulful story.Olivia Dean, a top contender for best new artist at the 2026 Grammys, sang “Man I Need.” Greatest of all? The trio HUNTR/X doing “Golden” from “Kpop Demon Hunters,” a fictional girl group built of very real singers Ejae (the voice of Rumi), Audrey Nuna (Mira), and Rei Ami (Zoey), for a full-throated vocal performance.Before the 93-year-old famed music executive Davis emerged on stage in a sequined suit to host his annual gala, Recording Academy President and CEO Harvey Mason jr.
announced that the date of the event, Jan.31, had been dubbed “Clive Davis Day” by the city of Beverly Hills, where it was held.
“I think you’re gonna have an incredible time this evening,” Davis told his audience, an understatement if there ever was one, before shouting out some of the big names seated before him: Joni Mitchell, Nancy Pelosi, Berry Gordy and Brandi Carlile among them.A midshow tribute to Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s principal collaborator and lyricist, got people dancing; Darren Criss launched into “Benny and the Jets.” Laufey joined him for the duet “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” Republic Records founders, CEO Monte Lipman and COO Avery Lipman, were honored with the 2026 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons Award at ...