Beyoncé performing at City of Hope Photo by: Kevin Mazur for Getty
City of Hope raised more than six million dollars at a black-tie gala honoring Warner/Chappell Music Chairman and CEO Jon Platt. Beyoncé, JAY-Z, Pharrell, & Jermaine Dupri turned out for the star-studded event, which was held at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica.
Although she just wrapped up a major tour with her husband, Beyoncé took the stage again, this time performing solo at the City of Hope gala, donating her time for a good cause. She dazzled the 1200 guests with hits like “Xo,” “Ave Maria,” “Halo,” and Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.” The event was to not only honor Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s good friend Jon Platt, but the money raised at the City of Hope gala will go toward the nonprofit’s research and treatment of cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.
Beyoncé performing at City of Hope Photo by: Kevin Mazur for Getty
The annual City of Hope event was hosted by Pharrell and Jay-Z presented Platt with the prestigious Spirit of Life® award.
SANTA MONICA, CA - OCTOBER 11: Pharrell Williams speaks onstage during the City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala 2018 at Barker Hangar on October 11, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for City of Hope)
Jay-Z praised Platt’s many accomplishments and commitment to his craft, calling him an “incredible, passionate person” and “the Obama of the music industry.” Adding, “I can’t think of anyone more deserving to be prized in front of their peers, in front of the world, than my brother, Jon Platt.”
SANTA MONICA, CA - OCTOBER 11: Chairman & CEO of Warner/Chappell Music and "Spirit of Life Award" Recipient Jon Platt (R) accepts his award from Jay-Z during the City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala 2018 at Barker Hangar on October 11, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for City of Hope)
In his acceptance speech, Platt commended City of Hope’s important work: “At a time in our country when so much is broken, I think it’s important that we focus on those who are doing great in the world. People who devote their lives to fixing what ails us, to the people that are saving lives. And over the last few months I’ve had the privilege to meet with the people of City of Hope, the people that give City of Hope its name.”
Though initially hesitant about taking the spotlight at the City of Hope event, Platt emphasized how seriously he takes this honor – especially as an opportunity to shine a light on others: “As an African American CEO, I proudly embrace the responsibility to lend a helping hand to people of color who are coming up in this industry, as well as to represent my friends and my colleagues that are already doing good in this game.”
SANTA MONICA, CA - OCTOBER 11: Chairman & CEO of Warner/Chappell Music and "Spirit of Life Award" Recipient Jon Platt speaks onstage during the City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala 2018 at Barker Hangar on October 11, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for City of Hope)
He thanked numerous people who he credited for getting him to where he is and helping him along the way, including the songwriters themselves: “I’d like to thank songwriters… songwriters who represent diversity in all its forms, as you continue to prove every day, that genius does not discriminate.”
SANTA MONICA, CA – OCTOBER 11: (L-R) Dr. Dre and Jay-Z attend the City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala 2018 at Barker Hangar on October 11, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for City of Hope)
The City of Hope celebration, which kicked off with performances by Mary Mary and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, culminated with the nonprofit’s first-ever after-party, deejayed by Jermaine Dupri.
SANTA MONICA, CA - OCTOBER 11: Usher (L) and Tiffany Haddish attend the City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala 2018 at Barker Hangar on October 11, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for City of Hope)
Luminaries like Dr. Dre, Derek Fisher, Tiffany Haddish, Quincy Jones, Wiz Khalifa, Rita Ora, Bebe Rexha, Kelly Rowland, Timbaland, Justin Tranter, and Usher were in attendance.