Pharrell Williams, Teyana Taylor, and KPop Demon Hunters Warmed Up For Music’s Biggest Night at the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala
The most rousing performance of the night was delivered by recent Golden Globe winners EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami; the trio behind Golden from KPop Demon Hunters. The entire crowd danced and sang along, and even Jeff Goldblum got up on his feet to sway to the catchy tune. (With five Grammy nominations this year, Golden is a favorite to win the coveted Song of the Year prize—not since the Lion King’s Circle of Life in 1995 has a song from an animated film received both a Grammys and Oscar nod.)
“I still can’t believe we are nominated. It’s surreal,” the record-breaking hit’s co-writer EJAE told Vogue. “If we win, the award is more than just for me—it’s representation. I want to open doors for Korean-Americans and Korean women in the music scene. You don’t see many of us. Emily Blunt told me that her family just had a K-Pop Demon Hunters birthday party for her kids—that’s amazing! I’m so honored when celebrities tell us how much they love the movie and the song.”
Three Best New Artist nominees also performed. Olivia Dean gave a soulful rendition of her chart topper Man I Need, Alex Warren belted out his emotionally-charged song Ordinary, and Sombr thrilled the audience with his viral hit 12 to 12, dressed in his signature glam-rock-inspired getup. “My fashion motto is, ‘Would Mick Jagger wear it?’ And if the answer is yes, then I’ll wear it,” he laughed, referring to his chain-adorned slinky suit. “I’ve been working with [stylist] Brandon Tan for a while now and we are great collaborators.” As for what to expect next, he hinted at more capital-L looks. “You’re in for a treat,” he teased, with a coy smile.
Over plates of roast chicken and mashed potatoes, guests made their way around the room to catch up with friends. Pharrell Williams hung out with Shaboozey and Sombr before convening with Chrissy Teigen and John Legend. Nearby, Teyana Taylor shared a boisterous laugh with Stevie Wonder. Heidi Klum crouched down on the floor to chat with Demi Lovato and her husband Jordan Lutes. One table over, Lizzo and Jennifer Hudson posed for photos while Jack Antonoff chatted with Lana Del Rey.
Halfway through the gala, Davis gave a shout out to journalist Don Lemon, who was in attendance after his release from custody following an arrest for covering an anti-ICE protest at a church in Minnesota. As Lemon stood, the crowd gave him a warranted standing ovation. Stevie Wonder also received loud applause as he spotlighted the evening’s honorees Monte and Avery Lipman, brothers and Republic Records founders.
As the clock struck midnight and the lights came up, guests strolled out of the Beverly Hilton, eager to get their forty winks before doing it all again on Sunday evening.
