Deleon and Billboard magazine threw the party of the year at The Sayers Club in Hollywood.
The room was packed in celebration of the Deleon 100, an elite roster of 100 trailblazers nationwide. Guests sipped specialty Deleon cocktails while enjoying a live performance by Deleon 100 honoree and GRAMMY award winner, Miguel.
The bar offered three cocktails and one delicious shot, each with it’s own unique spin. My favorite was the tastefully spicy ‘Caliente’ cocktail. The kick was there, the taste was mature yet fun.
Deleon 100 honoree Clay opened the night with a stunning six-song performance featuring angelic r&b vocals and insanely catchy hooks. I love watching a performer win over a room, and Clay absolutely crushed it. You know a set is going well when everyone’s phone is in the air pointed at the stage.
Miguel came out looking and sounding fly as ever. He’s the best singer in the game bar none, and he and a tight as hell band ran through a set full of hits. Some jams were re-imagined for extra freshness, matching the breezy vibe inside the packed club.
He brought a dose of politics, too. He lead the crowd in and anti-Trump chant, and talked passionately about always being yourself even when the world judges you harshly. I teared up a bit as he finished his speech; I yelped loudly as he lead us in taking a shot of Deleon.
The night ended with a buoyant dance party. Deleon, Billboard and Miguel shone through on a rainy LA night. Salud.
Additional celebrities that came out to toast the tastemakers and help take the evening to #TheNextLevel included: Makila Haqq, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, and Terrance J.
(photo credit: A Turner Archives)