Justin Bieber’s Grammys Weekend Kicks Off With Jack Ü Rehearsal, Party At 1OAK [Video]
Justin Bieber’s weekend, like many A-list stars, started with rehearsals for the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. The biggest event of the U.S. music industry calendar is two days away, and everyone who is anyone is in Los Angeles.
And, there is partying to be done too. Bieber hosted a pre-Grammy bash at the 1Oak club in West Hollywood last night. More on that below.
The 21-year-old superstar’s forthcoming performance with Skrillex and Diplo at the Grammys is one of the most anticipated of the night.
Skrillex, Diplo (as Jack Ü), and the Biebs’ game changer collaboration, “Where Are Ü Now,” is nominated in the Best Dance Recording category at the awards, along with four other nominees.
The track was first heard on Jack Ü debut album, which is nominated in the Best Dance/Electronic Album category. It also appears on Bieber’s record-breaking, critically acclaimed Purpose album.
Pics and onlooker-obtained videos of the Biebs and Jack Ü rehearsing at the Staples Center, on Friday, ramped up the already fizzing excitement among Justin Bieber and Jack Ü fans, some of whom took to Twitter to express that.
As seen in the clip below, and confirmed by a source to Entertainment Tonight, the Canadian singer will kick off his performance solo, singing an acoustic snippet of his former Billboard No. 1 hit, “Love Yourself,” while playing the guitar.
The Los Angeles Times adds Bieber will then race halfway across the stage to join Diplo and Skrillex (playing guitar and keys respectively), for what ET described as a “grungy, superband version of ‘Where Are Ü Now.’ ”
Bieber and Jack Ü are keeping things interesting by changing up the genre referencing on “Where,” and with only a few live spots of “Love Yourself” on record — the singer’s rendition on The Ellen DeGeneres Show was notably good — this could be a performance for the books.
Taylor Swift is opening the Grammys, probably with “Style” or “Out Of The Woods” from her 1989 album. Beyond that, it’s not know when other performers will play during the ceremony, but it’s likely the Biebs and co. will hit the stage before the award for Best Dance Recording is announced.
Speaking of which, “Where” is up against “Flying Lotus – “Never Catch Me (featuring Kendrick Lamar),” Galantis – “Runaway (U & I),” The Chemical Brothers with “Go” featuring Q-Tip, and Above & Beyond’s “We’re All We Need,” featuring Zoë Johnston.
It’s a very strong field. Obviously, Justin Bieber fans are hoping for the win. Elsewhere, speculation is rife. Forbes ventures votes may come down to “Where” and “Never Catch Me,” with “Where” standing a good chance to award Diplo and Bieber, who have been nominated in different categories before but have never bagged a Grammy.
The heartthrob famously lost out for Best New Artist to Esperanza Spalding back in 2011, and was passed over the following year.
During the rehearsal, Bieber’s manager, the talkative Scooter Braun, told the Los Angeles Times that Bieber is “just honored to be a musician playing among his peers,” and isn’t “interested in the accolades, or getting caught up in the praise.”
He added, “That’s where he got into trouble before. He just wants to be playing with other musicians, not the star of the show, not the phenomenon.”
Many people will no doubt remember it was Braun shouting much louder than Bieber in 2013 when the singer’s Believe album was snubbed.
Fast forward to Saturday night, Bieber and a group of his pals attended a pre-Grammy party at the 1Oak nightclub in West Hollywood. Cutting a stylish figure as usual, the pop icon wore a Flat cap, teamed with a white shirt, a pink Saint Laurent jacket, slim-fit black jeans, and smart suede tan boots.
A flower events company also revealed the singer ordered 300 roses for female staff at the club. The firm posted an Instagram snap of some of the hostesses with the flowers.
Inside the party, the Biebs thrilled the crowd singing over hits like “Where,” while his tour DJ, Tay James, manned the decks. Jamie Foxx was in the house.
At one point, the grateful singer addressed the crowd over the DJ mic, which Foxx held, saying,”Yo, I’m so blessed. 21 years old and I’m up for a grammy. Thank you God.” Check out the clips below.
On fire. #EndedUpAt1OAK pic.twitter.com/FyfVUUuwPR
— Tyler Dickinson (@tylerdickinson) February 14, 2016
Apparently, Bieber did not stay long at 1Oak, and is believed to have continued the party at his new house. He is expected at Clive Davis’ annual starry soiree on Sunday at the Beverly Hilton ballroom, along with guests including Elle King, Tori Kelly, Lenny Kravitz, Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, Nancy Pelosi, Ringo Starr, Herbie Hancock, Serena Williams, Jennifer Lopez, Sylvester Stallone, Michael Keaton, Jon Voight, and more.
To watch Justin Bieber and the rest at the Grammys, tune in to CBS’ broadcast, which airs at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Monday, February 15.
Tell us who you hope walks away with some Grammy love in comments below.
[Images via Kevin Mazur/Getty Images]
