Rather than respectfully cancel his annual Pre-Grammy Awards Gala in response to Whitney Houston’s death, Clive Davis found another way to honor his most prized artist. Accompanied by Alicia Keys, Britney Spears, Ciara, Kelly Rowland and others, the music mogul celebrated the life of the fallen icon with an evening of song and tributes.

Speaking at the podium during the show, Davis noted, “I personally devastated by the loss of someone who has meant so much to me. She was full of life, looking forward for tonight. She loved music and she loved this night that celebrated music…Whitney would have wanted the music to go on.”

Houston was found in her room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Hollywood. Her body remained in the building while Davis hosted his party just floors beneath it. She will be honored by Jennifer Hudson and Chaka Khan at the 2012 Grammy Awards, which airs live on CBS at 8pm ET.

See more images from Davis’ Pre-Grammy Gala below:

Photos by Getty Images Collection

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