Jennifer Lopez dining at a front-row table. Post Malone chatting it up with Teddy Swims. Paris Hilton snapping pics at the back of the ballroom. At 92 years old, Clive Davis is an institution, and his annual gala on the eve of the Grammys consistently brings out a dazzling mix of celebrity and music industry heavyweights.

This year's affair - renamed the Pre-Grammy Fundraising Gala in light of efforts to raise money onsite to aid those in Los Angeles affected by the recent wildfires - marked the 50th anniversary and delivered a succession of powerhouse musical performances beginning with Chris and Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes, backed by Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, Metallica bassist Rob Trujillo and Andrew Watt on guitar, kicking things into high gear with a set that included their rendition of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" and "Good Times, Bad Times."

Jimmy Kimmel entertained as emcee, welcoming everyone to "Clive's Bar Mitzvah" and providing comical quips throughout, but this night always belongs to Davis, whose delight in welcoming the artists and his guests - this time seated in a chair on the side of the stage - is nothing short of infectious.

Michael Bublé then took the stage next and, in tribute to Quincy Jones, performed Frank Sinatra hit "Fly Me to the Moon," which Jones recorded and arranged with Frank Sinatra and Count Basie. Post Malone delivered a gorgeous "Sunflower," Barry Manilow crooned through his classic hit "Mandy," and Joni Mitchell gifted guests with a two-fer - "Both Sides Now" and "Summertime." Other standouts included individual performances by best new artist nominees Benson Boone, Teddy Swims and Doechii; Shaboozey, and Samara Joy.

The guest list was equally powerhouse, and included Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley, Benny Blanco, Diplo, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Berry Gordy, Jennifer Hudson, Machine Gun Kelly, Alicia Keys, Gladys Knight, Nancy Pelosi, Rhapsody, John Stamos, Paul Stanley, Diane Warren and Willow.

The gala each year honors a music industry icon, and this year the spotlight shone on Jody Gerson, CEO of Universal Music Publishing. Introduced by Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge, Gerson took the stage to share her journey - including how she snuck into the gala back in the day - lessons learned, and what's important to her now.

Noting, "I'm very aware that my stature within the business brings with it tremendous responsibilities, and that my actions have a direct impact on the artists and colleagues with whom I work. I try my best to make that impact positive and meaningful," Gerson spoke of the pressing need to normalize the pursuit of mental health care, and her recent decision to join the board of nonprofit organization Project Healthy Minds.

"We should applaud iconic artists like Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Chappel Roan, and so many more, who have helped to lessen the stigma surrounding mental health care and made it "ok" for many to seek help for the first time," she said.

The night concluded on both a sentimental and soaring note. "This was Whitney's favorite night of the year," said Davis before introducing gospel singer Yolanda Adams to perform Whiteny Houston's "I Will Always Love You."