The famed black tie gala hits New York for the first time in five years. Clive Davis, the music legend who now heads both BMG labels, RCA and J Records, hosted his Pre-Grammy gala to a glittering who’s who crowd of 900 VIPs. The evening’s performers opened up with GAVIN DEGRAW, J Records noteworthy newcomer. The extraordinary R&B vocalist HEATHER HEADLEY, receiving one of the standing ovations of the night, followed him. Sexy singer TYRESE then emerged from the audience to sing his smash hit “How You Gonna Act Like That” only to amaze the audience with a surprise solo by guitarist SLASH. ROD STEWART inimitably interpreted songs from his smash Grammy nominated album, and then was joined by legend LOU REED to rock the room with a memorable version of Sam Cooke’s “Having A Party”. Then it was JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE’s turn to shine with his big hit “Cry Me A River”. The night moved to a close with the one and only ARETHA FRANKLIN getting a roaring ovation with “It’s My Turn” and who captivated the audience with several songs and there was history in the making with a searing duet with Alicia Keys on a raise the roof version of “Think”. Finally, Alicia burst into “Chain Of Fools” and artists from all over the room got onto the stage with Aretha and Alicia and stomped and traded scats and growls in a hair-raising jam session finale with ANGIE STONE, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, KELLY ROWLAND, BRIAN McNIGHT, MUSIQ, CARLY SIMON and many, many more.

Source: Hitmakers Magazine