Video: Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party with Leona Lewis
What: Rehearsals for the Clive Davis pre-Grammy party at the Beverly Hilton
Who: Leona Lewis and Davis
Importance: Davis, the founder of J Records, stages a much-hyped annual pre-Grammy party. Guests in 2008 are sure to be a who's who in the music biz, with plenty of artists in attendance. Said to be on the list on Feb. 9: Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Daughtry and Josh Groban, among many others.
The party is known for showcasing new major-label talent, and Davis has introduced the world to the likes of Keys, Maroon 5 and Mario at the party. This year, he's tapping the TV world again, bringing in U.K. sensation Lewis, who won the U.K. talent show "The X-Factor" (think "American Idol" -- "The X-Factor" is produced by Simon Cowell). Of late, the Davis affair has owed a heavy debt to "Idol"-driven talent, as the likes of Fantasia, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson have all performed.
Lewis' first single, "Bleeding Love," is already a massive hit overseas, but she is still largely unknown to American audiences. She definitely owes a debt to Whitney Houston (a Davis signee), and based on the performance at Thursday night's rehearsal for the party, it's a slow-building, grand R&B number -- the kind of song that could play over the end credits of a big-budget romantic comedy.
She'll release her debut, "Spirit," in the U.S. on April 8, but get a preview here:
(Thumbnail photo courtesy AP)
What was "artist development" before American Idol?
Posted by: matt | February 08, 2008 at 10:02 PM
before ai, artist development started in clubs and lounges, then live tours at theaters for the headliners some times as many as 2-3 shows a night. in between they practiced and practiced until they got their breaks.
ai is no no cakewalk either due to the competition, both ways are extremely hard and you have to be lucky.
Posted by: autoprt | February 10, 2008 at 01:43 AM
Leona Lewis is going to be a mega-star! She has the voice and the looks! Truly amazing!
Posted by: Mary | February 11, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Leona looked gorgeous at Clive Davis party. Her Kyri dress was amazing, she looked stunning. Wish I was there to see her sing live.
Posted by: Louise | February 11, 2008 at 11:12 AM