Bruno Mars is on top of the world right now. At least, that was the prevailing sentiment as the talented worked the stage at a pre-Grammy celebration in his honor at the intimate Bardot lounge in Hollywood Friday night. The singer, currently up for seven awards at Sunday’s 53rd Annual Grammy telecast, basked in the glow of an adoring crowd, before diving into an impressive selection of hits, both covers and originals.
The singer-songwriter kicked off the night with his take on Celine Dion’s monster hit “My Heart Will Go On.” Mars would follow that with The Outfield’s “Your Love,” Bobby Brown’s “Every Little Step,” Bell Biv DeVoe’s “Poison,” Montell Jordan’s “This Is How We Do It” and Jackson’s 5 “I Want You Back.”
By this point, the crowd’s energy was frenetic, but Mars would take that energy and increase it exponentially as he dove into his own catalog. Highlights would include singer Monica jumping on stage to perform “Before You Walk Out Of My Life,” with Mars singing background, and the ever-beautiful Keri Hilson joining Mars for a rendition of his #1 hit “Grenade.”
All told, it was a beautiful night, celebrating a tremendous talent. It remains to be seen in if Mars will take home any of his seven Grammy nominations at Sunday’s show. But for this one night at least, he was the undisputed winner. –djr
