L.A. Reid Honored At Clive Davis’ Pre-Grammy Gala
Epic Records chairman and CEO L.A. Reid was honored at Clive Davis & The Recording Academy’s 2013 Pre-Grammy Gala and Salute to Industry Icons last night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.
Clive paid tribute to Whitney Houston, who tragically passed in the very hotel a year prior, by sharing a rare video of his mentee singing “All the Man That I Need” during a tribute concert for the troops. “She was the greatest contemporary singer of our lifetime,” Davis said. He extended an invitation to Whitney’s mother Cissy Houston, but she deemed the gesture “obscene” and refused to attend.
New couple Ciara and Future stepped out looking like the picture perfect couple. “We are at a time where, I am on Epic, she’s on Epic, I love music, she loves music,” Future said when addressing their relationship rumors. “And we love being in the studio with each other. We love being around each other and that’s just what it is. The chemistry is there. It’s amazing. She makes me happy, I make her smile.”
Cher Lloyd and Ashanti were my favorite looks of the night. Both ladies were stunning.
Wiz Khalifa and Ne-Yo showed up wearing the exact same black-and-white pinstripe blazer, and they accentuated them similarly. Ne-Yo seems like the type that would spill something on Wiz. Who wore it best?
Clad in a short black-and-white dress, Brandy was all smiles on the red carpet. A year prior, she pulled out of performing at the event at the last minute due to her idol’s death. They didn’t invite her to sing this year.
I’m not sure what Janelle Monáe was going for with this Phantom of the Opera get-up. Not even flawless skin could save that. The CoverGirl is up for three Grammys with fun. for their hit duet, “We Are Young.”
Anthony Hamilton and Pharrell Williams hit the carpet with their dates towering over them. Anthony’s arm candy was his wife Tarsha; I’m not sure whom Pharrell’s date was, but he’s clearly not that into her.
Jennifer Hudson looked glamorous in a short Maria Lucia Hohan dress. She struck a pose with her mentor Clive Davis. At last year’s Grammy Awards, J. Hud paid tribute to Whitney with a performance of “I Will Always Love You.”
Jill Scott showed off her mouthwatering curves in a knee-length dress. The “Golden” diva smile lit up the red carpet.
Newly svelte, big-voiced singers Jordin Sparks and Emeli Sandé looked radiant on the red carpet. Jordin wore a fitting teal gown and Emeli opted for a simple black-and-white look.
Elle Varner wore an interesting-looking red dress. R&B’s new it girl scored a Grammy nod for her hit song, “Refill.”
John Legend and his ratchet fiancée Chrissy Teigen showed up. Mr. Legend is up for Best Rap-Sung Collaboration for “Tonight (Best You Ever Had)” with Ludacris.
Gladys Knight, Akon and Estelle arrived looking sharp in black-and-gold.
Apparently Miley Cyrus is planning on evolving into a Lickitung. The former Disney star can’t keep it in her mouth. She’s pictured here with Taylor Gang’s Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J. Although she claims she isn’t planning on making a hip-hop-influenced album, she has had quite a few studio sessions with rappers and rap producers. Her most recent was with Wiz and “Bandz A Maker Her Dance” producer Mike WiLL Made It.
Usher wore an unusual grey suit, and Diddy sported a crisp, Bond-esque tuxedo. Ush chatted with industry legend Quincy Jones.
Swizz Beatz and Tyrese were in deep thought. Maybe they were thinking about their next series of tweets.
That tongue… John Mayer and his girlfriend Katy Perry showed up in similar shades of cream and equally bad outfits. John looks like a groomsmen.
Miguel and Usher performed. L.A. Reid discovered Usher at the tender age of 14.
View more photos from the event here!
Photos: Getty