While many of the biggest names in the music industry were in attendance at Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party on February 9, it was politician Nancy Pelosi that was the star of the night, AP News is reporting. The House Speaker was reportedly the belle of the ball and got the most requests from people to take a selfie. There were so many party-goers vying to get a photo with Pelosi that even a line had formed.
While Pelosi’s name is always in the news, the House Speaker most recently went viral for a sarcastic hand-clap that she gave President Donald Trump following his State of the Union speech advocating for unity and cooperation. When Davis announced from the stage that Pelosi was in the audience, the politician received a standing ovation, with some even imitating the mocking applause she had given Trump.
An article from the Huffington Post reports that Pelosi seems to be a good sport about the joke that spawned from the clap and is even willing to join in on the fun. At the MusiCares gala in Los Angeles on February 8, Pelosi jokingly reenacted the clap to the camera alongside pop singer Katy Perry and her boyfriend, actor Orlando Bloom. Pelosi maintains that the clap “wasn’t sarcastic,” and that she was genuinely agreeing with Trump’s comments on “cooperation, compromise, and the common good.”
“Look at what I was applauding,” Pelosi said. “I wanted him to know that it was very welcomed.”
As for Davis’ pre-Grammy gala, Davis told Variety that Pelosi personally called him to tell him the star-studded event was “one night of the year [she] would never miss.” Considering Davis’ glowing introduction of the Speaker of the House, it appears the music producer is a fan.
“The first introduction tonight is of someone who has joined us many times before but somehow I know and all of you out there know this year is different,” Davis announced to the audience. “She’s now the highest ranking female politician ever. Ever. Ever. In the United States. Need I say more? Ladies and gentlemen, join me in giving the warmest welcome to the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.”
The night included performances of Aretha Franklin songs as a tribute to the late singer by Jazmine Sullivan, Rob Thomas, Ledisi, and sister duo Chloe x Halle. Rapper Travis Scott also opened the night with performances on his songs “Goosebumps” and “Sicko Mode.” Other performances came from the musician H.E.R., Brandi Carlile, Florida Georgia Line with Bebe Rexha, and Keala Settle, who sang “This Is Me” from the hit movie-musical The Greatest Showman .
While Pelosi isn’t a musician, she reportedly turned the most heads at the gala.
Nancy Pelosi just got a standing ovation at Clive Davis’ pre- #GRAMMYs party (Watch) https://t.co/4eaPHQBFjq pic.twitter.com/0luVaew1s7
— Variety (@Variety) February 10, 2019