Music stars turn out in Beverly Hills for Grammy's party

REUTERS - On the night before the Grammy awards, music industry titans descended on Beverly Hills Saturday (February 9) for veteran music producer Clive Davis' pre-awards gala. Rappers Kendrick Lamar and Drake may lead the nominations, but it is was Ariana Grande's withdrawal from performing at Sunday's Grammy Awards ceremony that had tongues wagging on Saturday night. "I think she has her reasons, I'm quite sure this is not her first time or her first rodeo so she has her reasons why and that's her business," said Grammy nominee A$ap Rocky. Comedian and Grammy-winner Kathy Griffin said she supported Grande's decision. "Good for her. She had the power to say, you know what, I gave you three song choices, you said no, and she is a very smart young lady, I've known her since she was 12 years old, she's very talented and I'm glad she stuck to her ... she kind of stuck to her guns because that is important for the next generation to see," said Griffin. Another hot topic on Saturday ahead Sunday's Grammys was the detention of Grammy-nominated rapper 21 Savage by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). "I think that 21 Savage has proved that he can make a contribution in America," said Grammy-winner LL Cool J. "You should be rewarded if you are here and you did something right, that seems balanced and just to me," he added. 21 Savage, whose name is Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, was arrested on February 2 in Atlanta, the southern U.S. city in which he has based his music career. Outspoken rapper Cardi B, whose music and personal life has dominated pop culture for the past two years, leads the charge for women at Sunday's Grammys with a live performance and five Grammy nominations, including for album and record of the year. R&B singer Alicia Keys will host the Grammys for the first time, while Miley Cyrus, Janelle Monae, Camila Cabello, and Kacey Musgraves are also among the performers at the Los Angeles ceremony. Singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile is the most nominated female artist of the year with six nods.