Clive Davis’ Annual Pre-Grammy Gala

Harry Connick Jr. joins Underwood for a duet at the Clive Davis gala Saturday night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.  (Gina Ferrazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Singer Harry Connick Jr. shows off a specialty skateboard -- featuring Clive Davis’ eyes.  (Gina Ferrazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Fergie, of the Black Eyed Peas, and Slash, former lead guitarist for Guns N’ Roses. Some of Saturday’s other performers: Mary J. Blige, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, Ke$ha, Maxwell, Carlos Santana, T-Pain and Rob Thomas.  (Gina Ferrazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Rising RCA dance party girl Ke$ha (Kesha Rose Sebert ) at the Beverly Hills bash. Read more in Pop & Hiss.  (Gina Ferrazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Before taking to the stage, Ke$ha was a standout among the audience.  (Gina Ferrazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Jennifer Hudson sang “The Way We Wereâ€� as part of a tribute to Barbra Streisand, on hand at the gala.  (Gina Ferrazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Mary J. Blige gave an intense performance at the Davis event.  (Gina Ferrazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Jamie Foxx was the final performer of the evening.  (Gina Ferrazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Foxx rocks the house.  (Gina Ferrazzi / Los Angeles Times)

R&B artist Maxwell does his pre-Grammy turn.  (Gina Ferrazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Too hot to handle? Rob Thomas fans guitarist Carlos Santana, playing some power chords at the Davis party.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Legendary music-industry executive Clive Davis has a hug for Jamie Foxx.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

On the red carpet at the Beverly Hilton, Jennifer Hudson poses with Clive Davis before the party gets rolling.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Rihanna, looking cool and composed, at pre-Grammy arrival time.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Rihanna and her dramatic dress, on the red carpet before the Davis gala.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Carrie Underwood, with bow and beads, on her way to the party.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Comedian George Lopez surprises singer Taylor Swift on the red carpet.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Singer Ke$ha bares thighs and knuckles in a black pre-Grammy party dress that’s sheer here and there, with touches of leather.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Ciara’s ensemble is all about the feathers.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Model Jessica White and singer Ne-Yo pose prior to the pre-Grammy shindig at the Beverly Hilton.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Jane Fonda and beau, music producer Richard Perry.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Rihanna, with a wave for photographers and fans.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Jennifer Hudson, in purple leather, arrives at the Clive Davis Annual Pre-Grammy Gala on the arm of the man himself.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Paul Stanley, of Kiss, with wife Erin Sutton.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and girlfriend Lu Parker.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)