Davis’ pre-Grammy event gets a seal of approval

The most talked-about pre-Grammy happening is now officially sanctioned by the Recording Academy. The annual industry buzz event/party hosted by music-biz veteran Clive Davis is, for the first time in its 30-year history, a Grammy-endorsed affair.

The Recording Academy said Tuesday that it was partnering with Sony Music’s chief creative officer to host the annual dinner and concert, held the night before the Grammys on Feb. 7 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Davis’ party has had a reputation in recent years for introducing younger mainstream talents such as Alicia Keys, Mario and Maroon 5.

The party has also seen an influx of “American Idol”-bred artists, with Fantasia, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood given showcase slots -- artists signed to the J Records label Davis founded. They performed among such industry heavyweights as the Foo Fighters, Christina Aguilera and Carlos Santana. Last year’s event was a coming-out party for Leona Lewis, the English-born R&B; pop singer.

Recording Academy head Neil Portnow, who worked under Davis in the late ‘80s, said the mission of presenting fresh talent would continue. If anything changes, the gala will have a broader focus, he said.

“He’s a master of putting that evening together, and has created an iconic event,” Portnow said of Davis. “We respect that and think it’s a great part of the allure. There’s no need to do things radically different. I think if there’s one difference culturally, in the past this has been a project that has involved his label, wherever he has been over the years. That now shifts.”

The Recording Academy did not announce any of the artists for what it’s officially calling the Pre-Grammy Gala, where Davis will be presented with the academy’s “salute to industry icons” award.

Portnow said he was open to broadcast opportunities for the gala, and last year, portions were streamed online. But don’t expect a big TV blowout. “These events are live and relatively intimate, and there’s a certain comfort the artists have,” Portnow said.

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todd.martens@latimes.com