Almost everyone in the room was a star…
Russell Simmons, Pharrell, Miley Cyrus, Redfoo, Jason Derulo, Ashanti, Chris Brown, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Hudson, Joni Mitchell, Jordin Sparks, Gladys Knight, Mary J. Blige, Mr. Brainwash, Mark Ronson, Nile Rodgers, Ciara, Sheryl Crow, John Legend, Miguel, Natasha Bedingfield, Beverly Johnson, Ryan Cabrera, Rita Ora, Sam Smith, Paula Abdul, Iggy Azalea, Jamie Foxx, Diane Warren, Pentatonix, Magic Johnson, ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews, composer Paul Williams, Toni Braxton, Ricky Martin, Beck, Faith Evans, JC Chasez, Richard Perry, actress Jane Fonda, Herbie Hancock, India.Arie, MC Lyte, Johnny Mathis, Aloe Blacc, Carole King and Jon Voight were a few of the notables in attendance at the Beverly Hilton.
Recording Academy president Neil Portnow kicked off the evening by introducing Magic Johnson, who paid tribute to Clive Davis. He also hosted a moment of silence for Bobbi Kristina. The first performer of the night was Sam Smith who sang “My Funny Valentine” and “Stay With Me.” Next, Smokey Robinson sang “My Girl,” with Aloe Blacc, Miguel, and JC Chasez. Then Jamie Foxx joined in and he passed the mic to Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire. Robinson then sang “Being With You” with Mary J. Blige, who looked beautiful in Michael Kors. Iggy Azalea performed “Black Widow” with Rita Ora and “Trouble” with Jennifer Hudson. The crowd went wild when Johnny Mathis performed a medley of “It’s Not for Me to Say,” “Chances Are,” “Wonderful! Wonderful!” and “Misty.” He gave an incredible performance.
The Grammy Salute to Industry Icons President’s Merit Award went to Martin Bandier, chairman and CEO of Sony/ATV Publishing. To honor him, Carole King gave an energetic performance of “Beautiful” and “You’ve Got a Friend.” John Legend and Mary J. Blige joined Carole for a few verses. Pharrell performed “Get Lucky” and after that the audience started chanting for him to sing “Happy.” He obliged.
John Legend performed “All of Me” and a duet with “All About That Bass” singer Meghan Trainor called “Like I’m Gonna Lose You.” Pentatonix closed the show with a tribute to the Bee Gees. Then Barry Gibb closed the show with “To Love Somebody.” The magical evening was presented by Hyundai and MasterCard.
