On Thursday night, the music industry elite gathered to celebrate the talented singer-songwriter, Victoria Monét, at the inaugural Variety Grammys Cover Party presented by TikTok. With seven nominations at the upcoming 66th annual Grammys, Monét was given the recognition and applause she truly deserves. The event took place at Hollywood's Mes Amis and was attended by esteemed individuals such as Kylie Minogue, Andra Day, and Jermaine Dupri.
Monét, a nominee in the best new artist and record of the year categories, expressed her gratitude for the journey she has embarked upon throughout her career, stating, 'This journey to this week has been a lifelong climb.' For the past 15 years, Monét has been an acclaimed songwriter in the industry, contributing her talents to tracks for renowned artists like Ariana Grande, Blackpink, and Fifth Harmony. However, this is the first year she has been acknowledged for her solo work.
During her heartfelt speech, Monét shared the lessons she has learned along the way, stating, '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.' She reflected on the challenges and insecurities she faced, expressing her desire to go back in time and share with her past self the incredible accomplishments she has achieved. Monét emphasized that she has finally found her wings and that the sky is not the limit for her.
TikTok's Global Head of Music, Ole Obermann, and Variety recognized Monét's talent and potential by presenting her with the Future Icon award. In response, Monét humbly expressed her hope that the predictions made about her future success come true and that she leaves a lasting impact for generations to come.
Monét's breakthrough debut album, 'Jaguar II,' released in August, catapulted her to immense success. The singles 'How Does It Make You Feel,' 'Hollywood,' and 'On My Mama' garnered critical acclaim and contributed to Monét being the second-most nominated artist at the Grammys, second only to SZA. Prior to this recognition, Monét was honored with Variety's Triple Threat award at the 2023 Hitmakers event, alongside other talented Grammy nominees such as SZA, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo.
In closing, Monét urged the attendees at the event, including music executives, songwriters, musicians, and TikTok creators, to let loose and have fun. She encouraged them to 'get a little tipsy and have some fun.' The room was filled with a vibrant mix of personalities, including Grammy-nominated producer Dan Nigro, Benson Boone, Monaleo, the Marias, Teddy Swims, and more, who all enjoyed an evening of celebration and networking.
The red carpet allowed Monét and her guests to share their thoughts on the Grammys lineup, while others provided insights into their current and upcoming projects. Kylie Minogue, nominated in the best pop dance recording category, reflected on her career's longevity, stating, 'There's so much longevity — I haven't stopped working but it's an incredible feat to be here 20 years later.'
During the event, musician and actor Ross Lynch spoke about his involvement in Troye Sivan's music video for 'One of Your Girls,' revealing that it all came together last minute, highlighting the spontaneity of the collaboration. Dan Nigro, who is nominated for the record of the year with Olivia Rodrigo for 'Vampire,' described the recognition as validating, as the upbeat pop song was a challenging piece to create.
Mes Amis, the venue for the evening, provided Monét and her guests with an array of TikTok-themed cocktails, including the 'Swipe Up Pick-Me-Up,' the 'Jaguar,' and 'Off the Record,' paired with delectable small bites. Jermaine Dupri kept the energy high throughout the night with a mix of old-school R&B and timeless hits, creating an electrifying ambiance.
As the night concluded, TikTok creators Kelon Campbell and Markell Washington transformed the atmosphere into a lively dance floor, ensuring that attendees left the event with joyful memories of the celebration.
Overall, the Variety Grammys Cover Party presented by TikTok was a testament to Victoria Monét's undeniable talent and the recognition she has finally received for her solo work. With the Grammys just around the corner, there is an air of anticipation to see if Monét will emerge as a winner in her nominated categories. Regardless of the outcome, her impact on the music industry is unquestionable, and her future as a musical icon seems destined for greatness.
