Last night at his annual pre-GRAMMY party, Clive Davis honored his friend, Whitney Houston.

The music exec, whose new book about his career, The Soundtrack of My Life, comes out February 19, played a rarely scene video of Whitney singing “All The Man That I Need” at a concert for the troops, according to E! Online.

Davis honored his friend, who passed away only hours before last year’s party, with just one short, but sweet statement.

“She was the greatest contemporary singer of our lifetime,” he said.

The night also honored music executive Antonio “L.A.” Reid, who is known for signing Usher and Pink. According to The Wall Street Journal, Reid accepted his “Salute to Industry Icons” award right after Usher performed his GRAMMY-nominated song “Climax,” telling the singer, “When I watch you perform like that, I feel complete.”

Katy Perry and John Mayer came to the party wearing matching white. Perry wore a snowy white Rafael Cennamo long sleeve boatneck gown with pearl embellishments while Mayer donned a white tux jacket with a black tie and black trousers.

Other guests stuck with the same black and white trend.

Miley Cyrus stepped out in a sexy black silk chiffon Emilio Pucci gown. 

While “Lights” singer Ellie Goulding looked angelic in a white floorlength gown with thigh-high slits.

Janelle Monae, who is featured on fun.’s GRAMMY-nominated single “We Are Young,” had a little fun with her outfit, channeling Little Red Riding hood with her black velvet cape. She added just a pop of color (ruby red, of course) with her clutch.

Carly Rae Jepsen, who’s up for two awards tonight, chose to go bold with her fitted deep red dress with spiked embellishments by Thomas Wylde.
 

Jordin Sparks showed a little leg in her teal Roberto Cavallidress and Giuseppe Zanotti heels.

Jennifer Hudson, who performed “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” with Gladys Knight at the party, went short with her Maria Lucia Hoha cocktail dress.

And The Lumineers, who helped kick of the GRAMMY festivities with a performance Friday night and performed two of their hits at last night’s fete, celebrated their Best New Artist nomination in their Sunday best. 

Who do you think looked best at Clive Davis’ pre-GRAMMY party?

- Shannon Carlin, Radio.com

Photo of Katy and John Mayer by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS 
All other photos taken by ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images