Los Angeles asserted its cultural gravity this awards season at the Sunset Tower Hotel’s Terrace Room, where the EPIC Records x Hennessy Pre-Grammys party crystallized as a defining celebration of artistry, style, and industry camaraderie during Grammys weekend. Hosted on Friday night in the storied hotel famed for its Hollywood mystique, the event honored this year’s first-time Grammy nominees and served as an unforgettable birthday observance for South African sensation Tyla.
The soirée spotlighted emerging and established talent under the Epic Records banner, notably Tyla, Zara Larsson, Yolanda Adams, and Eddie Benjamin, each recognized as Grammy nominees. Tyla, in contention for Best African Music Performance for her dynamic track Push 2 Start, entered the celebration with palpable magnetism around 11 p.m., commanding the room in a striking white backless mini dress, layered neon accessories, and bold makeup. The distinctive pairing of mismatched vibrant shoes and luminescent body highlights underscored her fearless fashion sensibility.
At 24, Tyla balanced poised confidence with reflective ease, embracing both the excitement of her birthday and the anticipation of Grammys night. Her previous accomplishment of winning the inaugural Best African Music Performance award in 2024 for Water affirmed her rapid ascent in global music.
Swedish artist Zara Larsson, nominated for Best Dance Pop Record for her 2025 release Midnight Sun, arrived in an ethereal hot pink gown with a deep neckline that emphasized her refined yet electrifying presence. Larsson shared that rehearsals earlier that day had given her a rush of excitement and calm readiness for her forthcoming Grammys performance. Expressing admiration for the luminaries of her field, she highlighted the prospect of meeting Beyoncé as a career pinnacle.
The energy of the evening was sustained by sets from DJs Skyla Tylaa, Blissman, SHOOP, and KP, who curated a rhythmic pulse throughout the night. In a thoughtful fusion of music and mixology, Hennessy crafted bespoke cocktails inspired by each nominee’s artistic identity, such as a Tyla-approved Hennessy V.S “Henny-Rita” and a spirited Hennessy V.S Ginger for Larsson.
The gathering drew notable figures from across entertainment and music. Kesha, fresh from her MusiCares Person of the Year appearance, mingled with Adam Lambert, while artists Usher, Kelly Rowland, and Ty Dolla Sign added luminary presence to the terrace atmosphere.
As the clock neared 12:30 a.m., a towering white cake was ushered in, and the crowd erupted in a spontaneous chorus of “Happy Birthday,” centering Tyla in a moment of collective celebration. Though lights came up around 1 a.m. to signal the evening’s official close, the celebration seamlessly continued at Duke’s after-party, a testament to Grammys weekend’s enduring momentum.
This intersection of recognition, personal achievement, and cultural flourish positioned the EPIC Records x Hennessy pre-Grammys gala as one of this season’s most vibrant industry moments.
Images Courtesy of The EPIC Records
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