Although the Grammys are still a couple of days away, Victoria Monét came out a winner on Thursday night as the music industry elite gathered to toast the singer-songwriter’s career and long-deserved laurels.
Up for seven awards at the 66th annual Grammys on Feb. 4, Monét was celebrated at the inaugural Variety Grammys Cover Party presented by TikTok, shortly after her candid feature story hit the stands. Inside Hollywood’s Mes Amis, insiders and stars including Kylie Minogue, Andra Day and Jermaine Dupri showered the singer-songwriter with applause.
“This journey to this week has been a lifelong climb,” Monét, a nominee in the best new artist and record of the year categories, told the audience. Over the past 15 years, Monét has been one of the music industry’s top songwriters, with credits on tracks for Ariana Grande, Blackpink, Fifth Harmony and many others. This is the first year she’s been recognized for her solo work.
Victoria Monét and Kylie Minogue attend the Variety Grammy Cover Party presented by TikTok.
Variety via Getty Images
Monét’s heartfelt speech continued revealing what she learned on her journey, “I knew I wanted to take the trip even though I knew there would be many rocks, high mountains, rainfall, and sometimes even lava. But what I did not know was how long it would take to fly. There are so many things I would whisper to myself if I had the opportunity to travel back in time; I would wow myself with these receipts about all the great things happening in my career these days in hopes of wiping some of those tears of frustration and impostor thoughts and show myself that I finally got my wings and the sky is not the limit.”
TikTok’s Global Head of Music Ole Obermann and Variety awarded Monét with the Future Icon award. Monét responded, “I hope your predictions come true, and that I have a generations-deep impact.”
After releasing her breakthrough debut album “Jaguar II” in August, the success of singles “How Does It Make You Feel,” “Hollywood” and the blood-pumping “On My Mama” made Monét the second-most nominated act at the Grammys behind SZA (who has nine). She was also previously honored with Variety’s Triple Threat award at the 2023 Hitmakers event, which also recognized Grammy nominees SZA, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo and more.
Monét closed by encouraging the room of music executives, songwriters, musicians and TikTok creators to “get a little tipsy and have some fun.” Guests including Grammy-nominated producer Dan Nigro, Benson Boone, Monaleo, the Marias, Teddy Swims and more spent the night shuffling in and out of the main lobby.
Earlier that evening, Monét and guests walked the red carpet and shared their thoughts on the Grammys lineup while others offered details on their current and upcoming projects. Minogue, who is nominated in the best pop dance recording category, reminisced on her first nomination in 2003 saying, “There’s so much longevity — I haven’t stopped working but it’s an incredible feat to be here 20 years later.”
Musician and actor Ross Lynch also touched on his part in Troye Sivan’s “One of Your Girls” music video. Remembering how it all came together very last minute he said, “They called me and were like, ‘Hey, Troye wants you to be in his music video.’ Took a red eye to New York, and the rest is history.”
Gabriela Moura, Josh Richards, Ross Lynch and Rocky Lynch.
Variety via Getty Images
Nigro also touted his and Rodrigo’s record of the year nomination for “Vampire” on the red carpet saying the recognition was “validating” as the upbeat pop song was a “really hard song to make and get right.” Nigro is also up for producer of the year at this year’s ceremony but said the secret to his hits is “working with artists who are way better than me!”
GAYLE and Kenzie Ziegler.
Variety via Getty Images
Inside, Mes Amis served Monét and TikTok-themed cocktails like the “Swipe Up Pick-Me-Up,” the “Jaguar,” and “Off the Record,” along with small bites. Dupri spun a mix of old-school R&B and timeless hits up until the very last attendee trickled out of the room. And as the night drew to a close, it was TikTok creators Kelon Campbell and Markell Washington that turned the venue into a lively dance floor.
Jermaine Dupri spinning at the event.
Variety via Getty Images
Andra Day stuns in pink.
Variety via Getty Images
Grace Bowers at the Variety Grammy Cover Party presented by TikTok.
Variety via Getty Images
Monaleo pauses on the red carpet.
Variety via Getty Images
Kylie Minogue attends the Variety Grammy Cover Party presented by TikTok.
Variety via Getty Images
Edward Friedlander, Maria Zardoya, Josh Conway and Jesse Perlman.
Variety via Getty Images
Teddy Swims and guest.
Variety via Getty Images
Kenna Bean poses on the red carpet at the Variety Grammy Cover Party.
Variety via Getty Images
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