HOLLYWOOD -- It's a tradition that has spanned three decades. The night before the Grammy Awards, Clive Davis, one of the music industry's power-brokers, throws a huge bash at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

The guest list was as star-studded as ever this year: Barbra Streisand, Ke$ha, Mary J Blige, Jamie Foxx, Taylor Swift, Maxwell and the Black Eyed Peas, to name a few.

And Rihanna.

It was after last year's party that Chris Brown beat up then-girlfriend Rihanna, but she was there again Saturday night, looking stylish in a Viktor & Rolf dress and appearing light years away from last year's incident. Brown is avoiding all Grammy events this year.

Jon Voight, the father of Angelina Jolie, spent nearly two hours talking to journalists.

"I don't normally watch the Grammys but I come to Clive Davis' party every year," he said. "It's an insider thing. You meet a lot of people and you get the words on things."

Gayle King and Jon Bon Jovi got a warm reception.

Mya, sick and with watering eyes and a runny nose, could barely stay upright.

The newest celebrity couple, Katy Perry and fiance Russell Brand, kept photographers busy. Perry even showed off her engagement ring and the couple seemed completely in love.

Ryan Seacrest quickly passed through the red carpet. Kevin Jonas and new wife Danielle also tried to make a speedy entrance. "How's married life, Kevin?" shouted a reporter. "Amazing," came the reply from the oldest Jonas brother.

Carlos Santana proudly introduced me to his son before posing for pictures. Ne-Yo, with a girlfriend that looked like Naomi Campbell, showed off a quick dance move for my camera.

Ke$ha, for her part, was covered in diamonds. "I'm just excited to be in the same room as Slash," said the star, who appeared to have brushed her teeth with a bottle of Jack Daniel's.

A little further away, Taylor Swift was in a short dress, hugging former flame Joe Jonas. Hmmmm, a reconciliation?

Jane Fonda arrived in a Vera Wang dress pulled out of her closet, and Sheryl Crow was wearing a Monique Lhuillier dress. Fergie was in a short, silver Amarni Prive dress while Jennifer Hudson was wearing a purple leather dress with pointy shoulder pads.

Richie Sambora was wearing pants so tight that they looked like leggings. "We're working on a new album for the end of the year," said the Bon Jovi guitarist.

Inside the party, guests were treated to a tribute for Doug Morris. Ke$ha performed and Jennifer Hudson, Rob Thomas and the Black Eyed Peas sang Boom Boom Pow.

Afterward, many made their way to yet more parties -- with the biggest day of the weekend still to come.

MJ.PARENT@SUNMEDIA.CA