NEWSClive Davis Postpones Pre-Grammy Gala Until May After Bell's Palsy Diagnosis
The annual Clive Davis pre-Grammy Gala has been postponed, as Davis has been diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy.
The condition causes weakness in facial muscles but is temporary, so the pre-Grammy night event — which has taken place since 1976 — will go on in May.
A representative for Davis told Variety that the 88-year-old is in good spirits. He is reportedly being treated with antibiotics and steroids and will be expected to make a full recovery in six-eight weeks. Although the condition is believed to be caused by a reaction to a virus, Davis did not test positive for COVID-19 after he was diagnosed with the condition last week.
Bell’s Palsy causes the face to temporarily droop but it often resolves itself in a few weeks.
"Clive is obviously disappointed to delay the evening as it's shaping up to be as big as the first. However, he feels great otherwise and is looking forward to the May event," a rep said on Davis’ behalf.
This is the first time in its long history that the event has been postponed.
"But if he had to do a Zoom [party] with 2,000 people, having a facial tick is not going to work," a source told Page Six.
Davis had planned to do two virtual parties in 2021. One on the original January 30 date to raise money for the Recording Academy’s charity MusiCares and another in March since the Grammys were postponed.
The virtual party in January featured performances from John Legend and Alicia Keys as well as appearances from Bruce Springsteen, Rod Stewart and more during the five-hour event.
The second party is believed to be a benefit for the Grammy Museum, which has a theatre named after the music mogul, but the details have been scarce.
Davis is renowned for discovering Whitney Houston. He and Sean Combs also founded Bad Boy Records and was inducted to the Rock ad Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 as a non-performer. TMZ reported the news that the event had been postponed following his diagnosis.
