BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – As he prepares for his annual Pre-Grammy Gala, Clive Davis remains hard at work.

Seated at a table in his bungalow at The Beverly Hills Hotel, his loyal Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Charlie, snoozes beside him. Davis reviews his opening speech for Saturday’s event, marking important points with blue ink and emphasizing key remarks.

This year, the tone is particularly vital. While the gala should honor music and the artists nominated for Grammy Awards on Sunday, it must also acknowledge the recent wildfires’ impact on the community.

Davis expressed that once the Recording Academy confirmed the Grammys would go ahead as planned, there was no doubt that his 50th gala would take place.

“We felt it was crucial to give back and make the gala a fundraiser,” Davis shared, mentioning his “substantial six-figure donation” to MusiCares. “Music is a fantastic way to raise funds, making it a positive event.”

Only a day later, Chris and Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes, alongside Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, Metallica bassist Rob Trujillo, and producer Andrew Watt, kicked off the gala at The Beverly Hilton with powerful renditions of Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times Bad Times” and “Whole Lotta Love.”

Davis recognizes his gala as a unique chance to “celebrate music without competition,” and this significant year showcased a diverse lineup of artists representing various genres and eras.

During the cocktail hour before the main event, guests included KISS frontman Paul Stanley, songwriter/producer Benny Blanco (without fiancée Selena Gomez), bandleader Paul Shaffer, famous saxophonist Kenny G, and Gary Dell’Abate (aka Baba Booey) from “The Howard Stern Show,” all mingling in one space.

On stage over the course of the more-than-three-hour program, an eclectic mix of artists performed, featuring Michael Bublé, Barry Manilow, Teddy Swims, and Doechii, both of whom are nominated for the best new artist at this year’s Grammys.

Notable personalities such as Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys with her husband Swizz Beatz, and Nancy Pelosi, who made her 25th appearance at Davis’ event, received applause from the crowd as they stood and waved.

The Pre-Grammy Gala also included a Salute to Industry Icons, with Universal Music Publishing Group CEO Jody Gerson, known for signing artists like Alicia Keys, Taylor Swift, and Ariana Grande, receiving accolades from Davis.

Here are some memorable moments from Saturday’s show.

Michael Bublé

Davis introduced Bublé, reminiscing about Quincy Jones, a long-time friend who he always honors at the gala. Bublé, charming as ever, engaged the audience by starting his number a few feet away from the microphone, inviting everyone to clap along while praising Jones, whom he likened to “a chef.” As images of Davis and Jones appeared on screens beside the stage, Bublé cheerfully performed “Fly Me to the Moon” with a lively band, including a six-piece brass section.

Barry Manilow

Davis reminded the audience that the first record released under his Arista Records label in 1974 was “Mandy,” which is forever linked to Manilow and inspired the inaugural Pre-Grammy Gala in 1975. He introduced Manilow, referring to him as “my dear friend, who started all of this,” as footage played showing a younger Davis introducing a shaggy-haired Manilow on “The Midnight Special.” Manilow made a dramatic entrance for the second verse of the song, creating a nostalgic contrast between his youthful and current self singing the same tune. “I started my career with Clive in 1873,” Manilow joked after his performance. “We’ve had an incredible journey. The truth is, Clive has always looked out for me. I don’t know how I got so fortunate.”

Post Malone

The newly minted country music star returned to his pop roots for his debut at Davis’ gathering. Dressed in jeans, a dark jacket, and a white cowboy hat, Malone performed “Sunflower,” his 2018 hit with Swae Lee, closing his eyes as he delivered the tune. He emphasized the event’s mission for wildfire relief, reminding everyone, “Please take care of the folks out there on the front lines.”

Joni Mitchell

On Thursday, folky legend Mitchell was part of the FireAid lineup at the Kia Forum in Inglewood. Her celebration continued at Davis’ gala as she graced the stage in a gold-etched chair, tapping her cane while performing her classic “Both Sides Now,” followed by the Gershwin favorite “Summertime.” Davis played a crucial role in bringing Mitchell and Brandi Carlile together, who encouraged Mitchell to return to music after a serious brain aneurysm in 2015. This made her performance at the 50th anniversary of Davis’ event particularly special, as Davis blew kisses to her as she concluded her set.

Shaboozey

Feeling honored to be part of the event, the emerging country-pop artist, who has five Grammy nominations, took the stage in a black suit while a pedal steel guitar and fiddle complemented his uplifting “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” Shaboozey’s bright smile reflected his appreciation for performing at one of the most esteemed gatherings in the music industry.