LOS ANGELES (AP) — Universal Music Group’s annual pre-Grammy showcase included Katy Perry celebrating her 10-year anniversary with Capitol Records and the debut of trailers for new documentaries about Motown Records and INXS singer Michael Hutchence.
Chart-topping rappers Desiigner, Rae Sremmurd, Big Sean, MGK and others performed at the multi-hour event Saturday, full of music industry players, press and artists.
Perry, who released a new single Friday, told the audience that she was constantly dropped from record labels, but she found a home a Capitol a decade ago.
“None of the other people wanted to believe in my vision. They always wanted me to be like a duplicate or something like they had heard. They wanted me to be like (Avril Lavigne’s) ‘Complicated’ or (Kelly Clarkson’s) ‘Since U Been Gone,’ and I was like, ‘That’s cool, but let me do my own thing,’ ” said 32-year-old Perry, whose No.1 hits include “Teenage Dream,” ”Firework” and “Roar.”
Capitol Records is one of the many subsidiaries of Universal Music Group, which also includes labels like Def Jam, Republic, MCA Nashville and Interscope. Acts on those record labels include Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Sam Smith and more.
Motown founder Berry Gordy, who earned a standing ovation, and Motown Records president Ethiopia Habtemariam announced the trailer for “The Story of Motown,” about the magic of Motown and its history in pop culture. It will be released next year.
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Another documentary, titled “Mystify,” focuses on the life of the late INXS singer who died in 1997. It featured an audio interview with Bono and does not have a release date. Both documentaries are being produced by Polygram Entertainment, which UMG re-launched Saturday. The company will develop films and TV projects, working closely with UMG labels.
Pianist Lang Lang kicked off the midday event at The Theatre at Ace Hotel with a performance, and he later joined Jessie J for a rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain,” as purple lights shined onto the stage.
Other performers include current three-time Grammy nominee BJ the Chicago Kid, One Direction member Niall Horan, Amine, Aurora, Jordan Smith, Bea Miller, Bishop Briggs and The Record Company.
The 2017 Grammy Awards will air live Sunday on CBS from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
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