Luis Fonsi

Luis Fonsi

Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

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Cardi B To Jay-Z: Inside The 2018 Pre-GRAMMY Gala

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Check out the stars on the red carpet, inside the exclusive GRAMMY party and the performers who made the evening come to life
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Jan 27, 2018 - 9:10 pm

Clive Davis' and the Recording Academy's annual Pre-GRAMMY Gala is one of the hottest tickets of not only GRAMMY Week, but the whole year. This year's edition on Jan. 27 at Sheraton New York Times Square in New York City did not disappoint.

Watch Spike Lee's Star-Studded 'NY Stories' Film

The preliminary festivities boasted a who's who of musical royalty on the red carpet, with the likes of Cardi B, Pink, Julia Michaels, Zayn Malik, the Chainsmokers, Logic, Camila Cabello, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, Rita Ora, and Bebe Rexha, among others.

It wasn't all just brushing elbows at a swanky hotel — don't forget the performances. Luis Fonsi gave it his all on a rendition of "Despacito" while Alicia Keys sang her heart out on a Jay-Z medley. Vocal powerhouse Gladys Knight showed the crowd how it's done with "Stand By Me" and "Midnight Train To Georgia." Khalid took the audience through his "Young, Dumb & Broke." And that's just a taste.

Jay-Z And Alicia Keys
2018 Pre-GRAMMY Gala

The evening also paid special tribute to 21-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Jay Z, who received the annual 2018 Salute To Industry Icons Award for his significant contributions to the music industry and philanthropic endeavors. He joins past honors such as Herb Alpert, Irving Azoff, Lucian Grainge, Debra L. Lee, and Berry Gordy, among others.

The Life And Times Of Jay-Z: From Rapper To Music Mogul

So shimmy on over here and see for yourself what went on at the best party in town, and don't forget to tune into the 60th GRAMMY Awards on Jan. 28 on CBS from 7:30–11 p.m. ET/4:30–8 p.m. PT.

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Poll: Who Will Win Record Of The Year? | 2018 GRAMMYs

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It's the first category on the nominations list and one of the "Big Four" General Field categories — who will GRAMMY voters choose as the winner?
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Jan 27, 2018 - 3:52 pm

With 84 categories, the 60th GRAMMY Awards will recognize the year in music across all genres, craft categories and even visual mediums. But do you know what the first category listed on the nominations list is each year? Record Of The Year.

Rewind The Record Of The Year GRAMMY Winners

Not only is the category one of the "Big Four" General Field categories, the GRAMMY win goes to the artist, producers, recording engineers, and mixer and mastering engineers. Also, it's not to be confused with the songwriter category, Song Of The Year.

What's The Difference? GRAMMY Record Of The Year Vs. Song Of The Year

This year's esteemed nominees for Record Of The Year include Childish Gambino's "Redbone," Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee's "Despacito," featuring Justin Bieber, Jay-Z's "The Story Of O.J.," Kendrick Lamar's "HUMBLE.," and Bruno Mars' "24K Magic."

Now it's your turn to weigh in. Who do you think GRAMMY voters will choose as the winner for Record Of The Year? Cast your vote now!

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Who will GRAMMY voters choose for Record Of The Year for the 60th GRAMMYs?

The 60th GRAMMY Awards will take place at Madison Square Garden in New York on Jan. 28, airing live on CBS from 7:30–11 p.m. ET/4:30–8 p.m. PT.

Host James Corden at the 60th GRAMMY Awards

James Corden

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

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Jay-Z, "Subway Karaoke," Kesha: James Corden's Top 7 Highlights | 2018 GRAMMYs

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From the hilarious to the poignant and in between, revisit these seven unforgettable highlights from James Corden's second turn as GRAMMY host
Chuck Crisafulli
GRAMMYs
Jan 29, 2018 - 11:18 am

Last year, James Corden began his debut as GRAMMY host with what looked like the most epic of fails: a shocking tumble down the grand, center-stage staircase that left him awkwardly sprawled among some oblivious backup dancers. The seemingly distraught host rose to his feet (one of which had lost a shoe), dismissed the dancers and proclaimed, "This is a disaster."

James Corden Subway Carpool Karaoke | 2018 GRAMMYs

Of course, the 59th GRAMMY Awards telecast turned out to be anything but disastrous, and Corden's introduction was just the first of many moments in which the "Late Late Show" host made his freewheeling, comedic spirit an unforgettable part of Music's Biggest Night. The Emmy winner appeared pantless after Twenty One Pilots' notably pantless acceptance for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and showed up in spectacular, concert-ready costume as a "member" of DNCE, among other highlights.

At the milestone 60th GRAMMY Awards show, Corden kept his tux on, but the laughter and energy that he brought to his first turn as host was in great supply, and he again helped turn Music's Biggest Night into an incredible, fun-filled, one-of-a-kind celebration.

Here are seven highlights from Corden's GRAMMY encore:

1. "Carpool Karaoke" With A NYC Spin

This year, Corden added a Big Apple twist by introducing a remote "Subway Carpool Karaoke" sketch. He, Sting and Shaggy boarded a New York City D train and attempted to entertain passengers with renditions of the Police's "Every Breath You Take," Shaggy's "It Wasn't Me," and the duo's new collaboration, "Don't Make Me Wait." The tough crowd did not appreciate the musical interruption, and Corden ended up getting belted in the nose by an angry construction worker.

2. The Host's Parents Arrive Late

Last year, Corden's parents were in the crowd and as he introduced them he noted that their 45th wedding anniversary actually fell on GRAMMY Sunday — only to discover that his father had Heidi Klum sitting on his lap and that his mother was snuggling with Nick Jonas. This year, his parents were again in attendance and their moment of introduction seemed to be going more smoothly until Corden spotted a telltale theater program. His parents admitted that they'd snuck out to see "Hamilton" rather than watch their son’s entire hosting performance. "Thanks for your support," said an exasperated Corden. "We'll talk about this later."

3. Puppy Love For The Best Comedy Nominees

After Dave Chappelle won for Best Comedy Album, Corden told the audience, "I don't want anyone to be upset tonight, so the good news is nobody goes home empty-handed." He then announced that the nominees who did not win in their category would receive "consolation puppies." The camera cut to baby pugs being handed to Chappelle's fellow nominees — Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman, and Jim Gaffigan. Corden warned Seinfeld, "Be careful — that's Roxy. She's a biter."

James Corden Presents Comedy Nominees With Puppies

4. Corden Goes Toe To Toe With Hova

Early in the show, Corden attempted to bond with Jay-Z, the recipient of this year's Salute To Industry Icon honors at the Pre-GRAMMY Gala, offering to show him around the streets of New York if Jay-Z needed a guide. "Guys like me and you, we're hood forever," said Corden, who swaggered a bit as he tossed off lines from Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' "Empire State Of Mind." "I got my stash spot on 560 State Street. Gypsy cab. Holla back." As Jay-Z cracked up, Corden added, "You call it the Big Apple. I call it the concrete jungle where dreams are made of. It’s just something that I made up"

5. A "Despacito" Funny

After Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee performed "Despacito" — arguably 2017's most ubiquitous song with nearly 5 billion YouTube views to its credit, Corden said, "That is a catchy song. I have not heard that song before. I'm telling you if they can just get that song on the radio they've got a hit on their hands."

60th GRAMMYs: What You Didn't See On TV

6. Creating A Concert Feeling

Corden spoke of the excitement of being in Madison Square Garden and told TV viewers that he'd come up with a unique way for them to "really experience that live concert feeling." As he spoke, eight hands holding cellphones trained on Corden suddenly lurched in front of the camera, completely blocking Corden from view.

7. Kesha's Performance Resonates

Janelle Monáe spoke pointedly on the issues of equality and harassment, encouraging the music industry to become a pivotal part of the Time's Up initiative. She was followed by perhaps the most emotional performance of the evening, as Kesha delivered a searing version of "Praying." Afterward, a visibly moved Corden had to take a deep breath and gather himself before speaking. "Music often resonates more than spoken word ever could," he said. "That was an incredibly powerful and relevant performance that comes in the midst of a movement that commands our attention and support. Thank you, Kesha."

Janelle Monaé's "Time's Up" Speech

(Chuck Crisafulli is an L.A.-based journalist and author whose most recent works include Go To Hell: A Heated History Of The Underworld, Me And A Guy Named Elvis, Elvis: My Best Man, and Running With The Champ: My Forty-Year Friendship With Muhammad Ali.)

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Jay-Z at the 2018 Pre-GRAMMY Gala

Jay-Z

Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

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Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Gladys Knight: 12 Highlights From Clive Davis' Pre-GRAMMY Gala

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From the inspired performances to who attended and Jay-Z's joke as he left the stage, find out what happened at Clive Davis' big GRAMMY party blowout
Tim McPhate
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Jan 28, 2018 - 8:28 am

On your average Saturday evening in New York City, there are a lot of hot tickets in town. But no ticket packed more heat than the one that gained entrance to Clive Davis' And The Recording Academy's Pre-GRAMMY Gala.

Jay-Z And Alicia Keys
2018 Pre-GRAMMY Gala

Hosted at the Sheraton Times Square, the traditional party convened a cornucopia of stars spanning business, music, film, TV, and sports. Where else are you going to see the head of Starbucks, Martha Stewart and Cardi B in the same room? Only at Clive Davis' event and only in New York.

While Davis was the emcee, the night's guest of honor was 21-time GRAMMY winner — and eight-time 60th GRAMMY nominee — Jay-Z, who received the 2018 Salute To Industry Icons award in recognition of his unparalleled career as a rapper, businessman and philanthropist. The evening's performances paid tribute to both Hova and the vitality of the Big Apple. Here are 12 highlights from the program.

Who Was There?

The guest list was off the hook as expected. Some of the luminaries on hand to celebrate the eve of Music's Biggest Night were Quincy Jones, Jerry Seinfeld, Sean "Diddy" Combs, New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, composer Andrew Lloyd Weber, actress Katie Holmes, Cardi B, Mariah Carey, "Today" host Hoda Kotb, Martha Stewart, Starbucks executive chairman Howard Schultz Starbucks, and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

Barry Manilow Sparkles For New York

"What better artist to celebrate New York?" said Davis as he introduced the evening's first performer. Donning a sparkly black blazer, Brooklyn's own Barry Manilow dazzled with a two-song medley that doubled as a snapshot of the GRAMMYs' return to New York. He performed "This Is My Town," the title track to his 2017 album championing his home city, as well as an upbeat take of the Big Apple classic Frank Sinatra made famous, "Theme From New York, New York."

Luis Fonsi Spices Up The Night

Breakout Latin pop star Luis Fonsi lit up the room with his performance of "Echame La Culpa," coaxing most of the superstar audience out of their seats to dance to the infectious groove. Fonsi followed up with his biggest hit — and the biggest hit of the past year — "Despacito," proving the song is worthy of its three GRAMMY nominations going into Sunday's ceremonies.

Migos Bring Southern Rap Center Stage

Migos — Quavo, Offset and Takeoff — took command of the stage and dropped some rap in the form of their GRAMMY-nominated viral hit "Bad And Boujee." The Atlanta trio's rhymes were ruthless as the booming low end permeated the ballroom, knocking over a wine glass or two. Migos are also up for Best Rap Album for Culture.

Ben Platt Waves Hello

It's impossible to separate New York City from Broadway, and as one of the Big Apple's oldest traditions, there are few musical platforms with more star-making power. Ben Platt of the cast of GRAMMY-nominated show "Dear Evan Hanson" delivered a rousing rendition of "Waving Through A Window" that gave the crowd a look into not only why his show has been such a success, but also why he's a center-stage talent who is here to stay. The performance also served as a nice warm-up for Platt, who will be taking the GRAMMY stage on Sunday.

More Broadway With Leslie Odom Jr.

The authentic sounds of "Hamilton" were appropriately represented with Leslie Odom Jr. helming "The Room Where It Happens." The hit musical has reinvigorated theater all over the world, and given NYC is "Hamilton"'s backyard, Odom's flare positively electrified the ballroom. "'Hamilton' was a love letter to the inspiration that so many of you have provided us," he said.

Gladys Knight Reigns Supreme

On a night with this many stellar performances, it's impossible to pick just one standout. But perhaps even the stellar performers themselves would agree that Gladys Knight brought the house down. Starting with "Stand By Me," which wowed the crowd to their feet, Knight proved she can still command the stage. At Davis' request, she then performed "Midnight Train To Georgia," sending the room into a frenzy with nostalgia, reverence and excitement that seemed impossible to top.  

Alicia Keys Stuns With Jay-Z Tribute

Described as the "quintessential Renaissance woman" by Davis, Alicia Keys positively mesmerized the audience — including Jay-Z himself — with an inventive medley of the fellow GRAMMY winner's songs.

"I'm here tonight to do something really special for me, for us," said Keys. "I'm here to honor one of the greatest that's ever done it. I'm also here because before anything else I was a true fan of your music Jay. I still am."

Leading the charge at the piano, Keys then proceeded to play her "favorite joints" from Hova's catalog, taking the audience on a thrill ride through various moods and textures. The packed medley included excerpts from "Feelin' It," "Hard Knock Life," "Holy Grail," "Run This Town," "I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)," and "Empire State Of Mind." The once-in-a-lifetime performance seemed almost too good to be true.

"That was like a dream," she said before leaving the stage.

Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz Accept 2018 P&E Honors

Jay-Z's Speech

Introduced by Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow as the "ultimate music person" — and drawing a "Hova, Hova" chant — Jay-Z was visibly humbled by his recognition when he took the podium. During his Salute To Industry Icons speech, he thanked everyone from his wife Beyoncé to the Academy and Alicia Keys for her tribute.

Jay-Z also commended his fellow peers in the audience, many of them past GRAMMY winners and current nominees, and urged them to keep the path. "It's our duty to make sure that not only are we making the greatest art, that we're upholding and supporting things that are super real," he said.

As he left stage, Jay-Z clutched his new award and remarked, "This s*** is super heavy."

Introducing Khalid

It's easy to forget on a night with so many massive names in the music world that Khalid, the teen pop prodigy, as some have called him, is up for a whopping five GRAMMYs this year. The young man from El Paso, Texas, reminded us why as he effortlessly sauntered through his laid-back hit "Young, Dumb & Broke." It is Khalid's ability to be natural that shows why he's had such a breakout year, and by nailing this high-pressure performance plus Davis' endorsement, why he's here to stay.

Khalid And Logic's Poignant Moment

It's been a bright spot in music over the past year and Logic and Khalid's moving "1-800-273-8255" proved to uplift the gala as well. The anthem for suicide prevention is truly about reaching people to let them know that there is help. And fittingly, Logic saluted Jay-Z for his help in being one of his primary inspirations.

Jennifer Hudson Channels  Aretha

Just when the crowd of celebrities and music industry executives thought maybe they'd seen it all, Jennifer Hudson took the stage to honor the great Aretha Franklin with a trio of numbers, starting with "Spirit In The Dark." Hudson demonstrated why she's today's go-to powerhouse singer as her voice climbed up and swooped down on "Oh Me Oh My," giving the gala's guests much more than their money's worth. To close the show, she launched into the Aretha classic, "Think," saying "This one's for me." She brought the house down with her soaring and soulful vocal work, channeling her hero, and enjoying every note.

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GRAMMY Album Of The Year nominees for 2018

(L-R) Jay-Z, Lorde, Bruno Mars, Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar

Photos: WireImage.com

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Poll: Who Will The GRAMMY Voters Choose To Win Album of The Year?

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Make your pick: Who do you think the GRAMMY voters will choose to win Album Of The Year?
Brian Haack
GRAMMYs
Jan 26, 2018 - 3:16 pm

There are less than two days left until the start of the 60th GRAMMY Awards, and excitement levels are rushing to ever greater heights for all of the Awards nominees.

Heading into the GRAMMY Awards each year, one of the biggest curiosities for viewers and nominees alike is always the burning question of who will take home the coveted honor of Album Of The Year.

As in years past, the category is positively stacked with tremendous talent, and an intriguing genre diversity that leaves the decision quite open ended: just who will take home GRAMMY gold?

Will it be rap royalty, courtesy of Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. or Jay-Z's 4:44? Fresh, inventive reimaginings of classic sounds and vibes, as heard on Childish Gambino's "Awaken, My Love!" or Bruno Mars' 24K Magic? Or will it be the deeply personal and exquisitely crafted futurepop of Lorde's Melodrama?

Make your pick below, and see who our readers think the GRAMMY voters will pick to win it all.

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Who will GRAMMY voters choose for Album Of The Year for the 60th GRAMMYs?

The 60th GRAMMY Awards will take place at New York City's Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Jan. 28. The telecast will be broadcast live on CBS at 7:30–11 p.m. ET/4:30–8 p.m. PT.

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