Usher, Ciara, Future, Brandy, Miguel, & Wiz Khalifa Attend Pre-Grammy Gala

On the eve of Music’s Biggest Night, music’s biggest stars once again gathered in the ballroom at the Beverly Hilton Hotel to celebrate their peers and enjoy a night of performances at Clive Davis’ Pre-GRAMMY Gala.

The music mogul remembered Whitney Houston, who died one year ago in the same hotel, and played a rare performance of the late legend performing “All the Man That I Need” as Whitney’s brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Pat Houston, looked on.

Afrojack lightened the mood with his opening performance, Emeli Sandé won over the celebrity crowd, and five-time nominee Miguel thrilled with “Adorn.”

Usher paid tribute to his mentor L.A. Reid, who received the president’s merit award, with performances of “Burn” and “Climax,” while Jennifer Hudson joined her idol, Gladys Knight, onstage for a duet.

There were plenty of couples in the audience including Ciara and Future, John Legend and fiancée Chrissy Teigen, Brandy with her fiancé Ryan Press, Pharrell with his fiancée Helen Lasichanh, and Katy Perry with John Mayer. Wiz Khalifa left his pregnant fiancée Amber Rose at home, but chilled with his friends Miley Cyrus and Juicy J.

The star-studded crowd also included Frank Ocean, Diddy, Swizz Beatz, French Montana, Akon, Estelle, Ashanti, Elle Varner, Janelle Monáe, and Jill Scott.

Photo credit: Getty Images