Stars kick off Grammys weekend at New York's hottest parties

Cardi B

The Grammys are about to go down in New York City, where the awards ceremony is returning Sunday for its 60th annual celebration. But music's biggest night is merely the final act in music's biggest weekend. The stars hit the city Thursday night, beginning celebrations at the Spotify Best New Artists party, the Recording Academy Producers and Engineers Wing's event honoring Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, and the Warner Music Group event, where record-breaking hitmaker Cardi B took the mic. Click through to see Kelly Clarkson hit the red carpet, Alessia Cara perform, Ansel Elgort strike a pose, and more — and come back this weekend for updates as the celebrations reach a trophy-worthy crescendo.

Terria Joseph, Alicia Keys, and Gayle King

Alicia Keys was in good company alongside Terria Joseph and Gayle King at the Recording Academy Producers and Engineers Wing's event honoring Keys and husband Swizz Beatz on Thursday.

Kelly Clarkson

Grammy nominee Kelly Clarkson at the Warner Music Group Pre-Grammy Celebration on Thursday.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt suited up for the Warner Music Group Pre-Grammy Celebration on Thursday.

Alessia Cara

Alessia Cara sang her heart out at the Spotify Best New Artists 2018 Pre-Grammy Party on Thursday.

Khalid

Khalid's mood was infectious at the Spotify Best New Artists 2018 Pre-Grammy Party on Thursday.

Daniel Ek and Keith Urban

Daniel Ek and Keith Urban linked up at the Spotify Best New Artists 2018 Pre-Grammy Party on Thursday.

Julia Michaels

Grammy nominee Julia Michaels performed at the Spotify Best New Artists 2018 Pre-Grammy Party on Thursday.

Ansel Elgort

Ansel Elgort made it to the Spotify Best New Artists 2018 Pre-Grammy Party on Thursday.

Rita Ora

One day before premiering the whimsical music video for her new duet with Liam Payne, Rita Ora brought her talent to the Spotify Best New Artists 2018 Pre-Grammy Party on Thursday.

Ciara

Ciara hit the Warner Music Group Pre-Grammy Celebration on Thursday.

SZA

SZA belted like a true Grammy nominee at the Spotify Best New Artists 2018 Pre-Grammy Party on Thursday.

Before finding out if he takes home a Grammy Sunday, Lil Uzi Vert was center stage at the Spotify Best New Artists 2018 Pre-Grammy Party on Thursday.

Logic

Logic captivated the crowd at the Spotify Best New Artists 2018 Pre-Grammy Party on Thursday.

Kim Petras

Kim Petras left those "Hillside Boys" at home for the Spotify Best New Artists 2018 Pre-Grammy Party on Thursday.

Marshmello

Marshmello was instantly recognizable at the Spotify Best New Artists 2018 Pre-Grammy Party on Thursday.

Nick Cannon

Nick Cannon wore his sunglasses at night during the Spotify Best New Artists 2018 Pre-Grammy Party on Thursday.

Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae made a bold entrance at the Warner Music Group Pre-Grammy Celebration on Thursday.

Hailey Baldwin

Hailey Baldwin stepped out for the Spotify Best New Artists 2018 Pre-Grammy Party on Thursday.

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz were all smiles at the Recording Academy Producers and Engineers Wing's event honoring them on Thursday.