longines global champions tour calendar

JUMPER NEWS

Showjumping is here, longines global champions tour announces season calendar announced for 2023.

Valkenswaard, The Netherlands – November 30, 2022 – The countdown is on to the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) & Global Champions League (GCL) season as the full calendar is revealed today.

With an extraordinary 2022 season wrapping up with the Prague Playoffs just a few short weeks ago, all eyes now turn to the buzzing 16 event 2023 season. With a brand new destination added to the thrilling mix of returning fan favourites, the excitement for the new season builds as the world’s most dynamic show jumping series launches huge new projects and innovations to keep the sport pushing forward in all areas including a significant increase in prize money.

The 2023 season will see the individual LGCT series and the GCL team championship race span continents from the Middle East to The Americas, to Asia and into the heart of Europe, cementing the circuit’s powerful global footprint.

Jan Tops , President and Founder of Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL said:  “We are excited to announce our calendar for 2023 with 16 events around the world. We are delighted with the strong momentum LGCT and GCL continues to experience and every year we look forward to being able to bring our passionate fans a mix of exciting new locations and old favourites featuring some of the world’s greatest cities and iconic destinations.

We are committed as ever to growing our sport and attracting new audiences to show jumping and next year we can’t wait to show everyone our new plans to keep LGCT & GCL growing at a rapid and exciting pace.”

The 2023 LGCT and GCL Calendar:

Doha: 2 – 4 March Miami Beach: 12 – 15 April Mexico City: 20 – 23 April Madrid: 12 – 14 May Ramatuelle/Saint Tropez: 1 – 3 June Cannes: 8 – 10 June Stockholm: 16 – 18 June Paris: 23 – 24 June Monaco: 29 June – 1 July Riesenbeck: 21 – 23 July London: 10 – 13 August Valkenswaard: 18 – 20 August Rome: 15 – 17 September New York: 22 – 24 September Riyadh: 26 – 28 October (Finals) Prague: 16 – 19 November (Playoffs)

The opening leg in 2023 will take place in just over three months, from 2 – 4 March at the stunning Al Shaqab in Qatar’s capital, Doha, where for the first time ever both GCL team rounds will be held on the same day. Stay tuned for the full reveal of the brand new LGCT & GCL weekend class format which is to be released soon.

The high-profile first event of the 2023 calendar, held at the world-class equestrian facility will ensure an dramatic kick-off to the new LGCT and GCL season. From the Middle East, the Tour heads straight to the Americas followed by a fantastic five months across Europe touching down in dynamic capital cities, beautiful Riviera destinations and Riesenbeck International will make an exciting debut on the tour before the grand finale in Riyadh.

Shanghai, China will not be part of the 2023 calendar but everyone is looking forward to its return to the series in 2024.

The race to the season championship will take horses, riders and spectators around the globe to 16 major cities and key locations. Riders will be battling to secure their golden ticket all season for a coveted spot in the ultimate individual showdown, the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs . And motivation will be high among team owners, managers and riders to deliver maximum performance to put them in a strong position for the high-pressure knockout stages of the GCL Super Cup at the O2 Arena in Prague for the final event of the calendar.

Millions of fans followed the LGCT and GCL season throughout 2022 as sporting excellence reached new levels, with the world’s best riders and horses guaranteed at every event. Fans watched live at the venues or on GCTV live streaming and TV, as well as following all the excitement on social media. The series will aim to expand its audience further during 2023 focusing on digital and broadcast coverage around the world.

This year marked an important milestone for Longines as it extended its long-term partnership with the Longines Global Champions Tour to 2027, underscoring the success of this collaboration and the growing popularity of the equestrian sport. As Title Partner and Official Timekeeper, Longines will once again have a strong presence throughout the 2023 season and they will present elegant timepieces to recognise the great performances of every Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix and Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix winner.

In the upcoming weeks, the new GCL team line-ups will be revealed for the 2023 GCL championship as fans across the world get ready for the start of another epic season. All the action, including the GCL R1 & R2 and the LGCT Grand Prix, will be streamed live on GCTV at every event.

Source: Press Release from LGCT – Longines Global Champions Tour

Photo: © LGCT / Stefano Grasso

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Categories: English , Events , Show Schedule

Tagged as: 2023 LGCT & GCL Calendar , Equestrian , Events , GCT , Global Champions Tour , Horses , LGCT , Longines Global Champions Tour , Schedule , Showjumping

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Longines Global Champions Tour Announces 2023 Calendar

The 16-stop tour includes a brand new destination - riesenbeck - and a significant increase in prize money..

By: Longines Global Champions Tour Media | November 30, 2022

The countdown is on to the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour & GCL season as the full calendar is revealed today.

With an extraordinary 2022 season wrapping up with the Prague Playoffs just a few short weeks ago, all eyes now turn to the buzzing 16 event 2023 season. With a brand new destination added to the thrilling mix of returning fan favourites, the excitement for the new season builds as the world’s most dynamic show jumping series launches huge new projects and innovations to keep the sport pushing forward in all areas including a significant increase in prize money.

The 2023 season will see the individual LGCT series and the GCL team championship race span continents from the Middle East to The Americas, to Asia and into the heart of Europe, cementing the circuit’s powerful global footprint.

Jan Tops, President and Founder of Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL said: “We are excited to announce our calendar for 2023 with 16 events around the world. We are delighted with the strong momentum LGCT and GCL continues to experience and every year we look forward to being able to bring our passionate fans a mix of exciting new locations and old favourites featuring some of the world’s greatest cities and iconic destinations.

We are committed as ever to growing our sport and attracting new audiences to show jumping and next year we can’t wait to show everyone our new plans to keep LGCT & GCL growing at a rapid and exciting pace.”

The 2023 LGCT and GCL Calendar:

Doha: 2 – 4 March Miami Beach: 12 – 15 April Mexico City: 20 – 23 April Madrid: 12 – 14 May Ramatuelle/Saint Tropez: 1 – 3 June Cannes: 8 – 10 June Stockholm: 16 – 18 June Paris: 23 – 24 June Monaco: 29 June – 1 July Riesenbeck: 21 – 23 July London: 10 – 13 August Valkenswaard: 18 – 20 August Rome: 15 – 17 September New York: 22 – 24 September Riyadh: 26 – 28 October (Finals) Prague: 16 – 19 November (Playoffs)

The opening leg in 2023 will take place in just over three months, from 2 – 4 March at the stunning AL SHAQAB in Qatar’s capital, Doha, where for the first time ever both GCL team rounds will be held on the same day. Stay tuned for the full reveal of the brand new LGCT & GCL weekend class format which is to be released soon.

The high-profile first event of the 2023 calendar, held at the world-class equestrian facility will ensure a dramatic kick-off to the new LGCT and GCL season. From the Middle East, the Tour heads straight to the Americas followed by a fantastic five months across Europe touching down in dynamic capital cities, beautiful Riviera destinations and Riesenbeck International will make an exciting debut on the tour before the grand finale in Riyadh.

Shanghai, China will not be part of the 2023 calendar but everyone is looking forward to its return to the series in 2024.

The race to the season championship will take horses, riders and spectators around the globe to 16 major cities and key locations. Riders will be battling to secure their golden ticket all season for a coveted spot in the ultimate individual showdown, the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs. And motivation will be high among team owners, managers and riders to deliver maximum performance to put them in a strong position for the high-pressure knockout stages of the GCL Super Cup at the O2 Arena in Prague for the final event of the calendar.

Millions of fans followed the LGCT and GCL season throughout 2022 as sporting excellence reached new levels, with the world’s best riders and horses guaranteed at every event. Fans watched live at the venues or on GCTV live streaming and TV, as well as following all the excitement on social media. The series will aim to expand its audience further during 2023 focusing on digital and broadcast coverage around the world.

This year marked an important milestone for Longines as it extended its long-term partnership with the Longines Global Champions Tour to 2027, underscoring the success of this collaboration and the growing popularity of the equestrian sport. As Title Partner and Official Timekeeper, Longines will once again have a strong presence throughout the 2023 season and they will present elegant timepieces to recognise the great performances of every Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix and Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix winner.

In the upcoming weeks, the new GCL team line-ups will be revealed for the 2023 GCL championship as fans across the world get ready for the start of another epic season. All the action, including the GCL R1 & R2 and the LGCT Grand Prix, will be streamed live on GCTV at every event.

FULL CALENDAR here .

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Get your LGCT London tickets! Info

Introduction.

Step into the realm of equestrian excellence as we bring you the Longines Global Champions Tour of London 2024, where the spirit of British equestrian heritage thrives. Nestled within the iconic grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, this prestigious event seamlessly blends centuries of tradition with the exhilarating energy of top-tier show jumping.

Join us for an unforgettable showcase of British excellence against the backdrop of timeless architecture and immaculate lawns. Experience the fusion of tradition and innovation as riders and horses alike push the boundaries of excellence in the heart of London. From 16 - 18 August 2024, witness history in the making at this historic venue, where every jump echoes the legacy of equestrian greatness. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of British equestrian culture and talent as we celebrate the very best in the sport.

With past winners of the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of London including British stars Ben Maher and Scott Brash, as well as incredible international athletes such as Pieter Devos and most recently, Jessica Springsteen, this event is a true showcase of show jumping’s Hall of Fame. Experience the best of British equestrian excellence at the Longines Global Champions Tour of London 2024. This is more than just a competition; it’s a journey through time, where every moment is etched with the essence of tradition and the thrill of innovation.

HOSPITALITY

General admission.

Position yourself along the long side of the arena for an optimal view of all the thrilling sporting action at the Longines Global Champions Tour of London 2024!

Please be aware that seats in the public grandstand are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to arrive early to secure your spot. Remember, once it’s full, it’s full! For families, take advantage of discounted family tickets, tailored for 2 adults and 2 children. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy the excitement of world-class equestrian competition with your loved ones.

COVERED GRANDSTAND

Enjoy the action from the covered grandstand, offering a panoramic view of the arena at the Longines Global Champions Tour of London 2024. While seats are not reserved and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, families can take advantage of discounted family tickets, accommodating 2 adults and 2 children.

For little ones under 4, entry is free, although seating is not provided; they must sit on a guardian’s lap. Special rates are available for children aged 0 to 13, provided they are accompanied by an adult.

Additionally, concession tickets are offered for seniors and students, ensuring everyone can experience the excitement of world-class equestrian competition. Wheelchair spaces are available, with each ticket including a seat for a carer, ensuring accessibility for all attendees.

Experience the best of British at the GC Lounge during the Longines Global Champions Tour of London. Nestled within the covered lounge area, enjoy a prime viewing position right next to the riders tribune that offers an intimate atmosphere, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the excitement of the event. Seize the opportunity to claim your table early, as seating operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This ensures you secure a coveted spot to witness all the action up close and personal.

Families are warmly welcomed, with complimentary entry for children under 4 (although seating is not provided). Upon arrival, indulge in a complimentary welcome drink to set the tone for your unforgettable experience. Throughout the day, treat yourself to a selection of tea, coffee, pastries, and sandwiches during morning and afternoon tea sessions.

As a guest of the GC Lounge, you’ll also receive a complimentary event magazine and printed start lists for every class, keeping you informed and engaged as you soak up the excitement of the Longines Global Champions Tour of London.

VIP EXPERIENCE

A quintessentially British cocktail mixing top sport and a great social scene at this truly unique venue. The VIP area offers its guests a range of all-inclusive food and drink options throughout the day accompanied by a prime view of the main competition arena. A team of multilingual hostesses and waiters are on hand to assist throughout the entire experience.

The Longines Global Champions Tour of London offers a truly elevated hospitality experience, making it the perfect place to entertain guests, clients, and sponsors who can enjoy a premium seat, fantastic service, and delicious food as they follow the competition between the very best of British and International show jumping. What’s included:

• 3 Day VIP access to the event
• Reserved table of 4, 6 or 8 guests personalized with your (company) name
• Direct view on the competition arena
• Full catering buffet services including fine wines and champagne
• Multilingual hostesses

EACH DAY HAS ITS OWN HIGHLIGHT

CSI2* and CSI5* competitions

*Schedules are subject to change according to the evolution of the sports program.

GCL team competition in 2 rounds

Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of London

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Date : 16 - 18 August 2024 Location :  Royal Hospital Chelsea, London. Entry via Bull Ring Gate.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where is the event taking place?

The event takes place at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Entry to the event is through the Bull Ring Gate via Chelsea Embankment.

What is the difference between the public and covered grandstands?

The Covered Grandstands offer unobstructed views of the competition arena, with undercover seating. This is the largest viewing area, and is the best choice for all fans and show jumping aficionados! A seat in the Covered Grandstand is guaranteed. The Public Grandstands is an uncovered grandstand, and substantially smaller than the covered grandstands. It is open to all general admission ticket holders. Seating in the Public Grandstand is not guaranteed.

Can I choose my own seat?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to pick your own seat prior to the event. You can select your seat on a first come, first serve basis.

Can I bring my dog/pet?

Pets are allowed in the Shopping Village if they are on a lead. Pets are not allowed in the seated areas, including the grandstands and VIP. An exception is made for service animals with proper documentation.

Can I buy a ticket at the event?

On-site sales are subject to availability. However, we do recommend that you book as early as possible in order to secure your seat(s) in your selected section and avoid disappointment.

Are VIP tickets available?

For enquiries on VIP access please get in touch with [email protected]

Where can I park my car?

Limited disabled parking is available (blue badge holders only). Please contact us to reserve a spot. For all other vehicles, we do not offer any on-site parking. The closest public car park to the venue is at Battersea Park.

Are there concession tickets available?

Yes, concession tickets are available for seniors and students, making the event accessible to all demographics.

Is the GC Lounge available for attendees?

Yes, the GC Lounge provides an intimate viewing experience with a prime location next to the riders’ tribune and requires a special ticket. The GC Lounge will likely sell out, so get your tickets early. On the day of the events, seating is first-come, first-served, so it’s advisable to claim your seat early.

FULL SCHEDULE: The Longines Global Champions Tour of Valkenswaard

CSIYH1* Young Horses: 6y 1.30 | 7y 1.35 - Two Phases Special

Csi1* against the clock, no jump off 1.35m.

Event time 08:15AM GMT+2

CSI2* Against the Clock, No Jump Off, Big Tour 1.45m

Event time 10:15AM GMT+2

CSI1* Two Phase Special 1.20m

Event time 10:30AM GMT+2

CSI1* Two Phase Special 1.10m

Event time 12:45PM GMT+2

GCL of Valkenswaard, Individual Classification, Round 1 - 1.55m Against the Clock, No Jump Off

Event time 02:10PM GMT+2

CSI2* Medium Tour, Two Phase 1.40m

Event time 02:30PM GMT+2

GCL of Valkenswaard, Round 1 - 1.55m Against the Clock, No Jump Off

Event time 03:00PM GMT+2

CSI2* Small Tour, Two Phase 1.35m

Event time 05:05PM GMT+2

GCL of Valkenswaard, Individual Classification, Round 2 - 1.60m Against the Clock, No Jump Off

Event time 05:30PM GMT+2

GCL of Valkenswaard, Round 2 - 1.60m Against the Clock, No Jump Off

Event time 06:30PM GMT+2

CSI2* Big Tour, Against the Clock, No Jump Off 1.45m

Event time 08:45AM GMT+2

CSIYH1* Young Horses: 6y 1.30 | 7y 1.35 - Against the Clock, No Jump Off

Event time 09:15AM GMT+2

CSI1* Against the Clock, No Jump Off 1.35 m

Event time 11:45AM GMT+2

CSI2* Medium Tour, Against the Clock, No Jump Off 1.40m

Event time 12:00PM GMT+2

CSI1* Against the Clock, No Jump Off 1.25 m

Event time 01:50PM GMT+2

CSI1*, Against the Clock, No Jump Off 1.15m

Event time 03:10PM GMT+2

CSI5* Two Phase 1.45m

Event time 04:05PM GMT+2

CSI2* Small Tour, Against the Clock with immediate Jump Off 1.35m

Event time 04:55PM GMT+2

Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Valkenswaard 1.60m

Event time 06:15PM GMT+2

CSI1* Grand Prix, Against-the-clock with Jump-Off 1.35m

Event time 08:00AM GMT+2

CSI2* Small Tour, Against the Clock, No Jump Off 1.35m

Csi5* against the clock, no jump off 1.45m.

Event time 09:45AM GMT+2

CSIYH1* Young Horses Final: 6y 1.30 | 7y 1.35 - Against the Clock, No Jump Off

Csi2* medium tour, against the clock with immediate jump off 1.40m.

Event time 11:15AM GMT+2

CSI5* Against the Clock, with Jump Off 1.50m Lugano Diamonds Trophy

Event time 01:20PM GMT+2

CSI1* Against-the-clock With Jump Off 1.15m

Event time 02:45PM GMT+2

CSI2* Grand Prix Big Tour, Against-the-clock with Jump-Off 1.45m

Event time 04:15PM GMT+2

CSI1* Against-the-clock With Jump Off 1.25m

Event time 04:30PM GMT+2

My vision is clear. Only the best for the best. Jan Tops - Founder & President

The prestigious venue of Royal Hospital Chelsea sits in the heart of London, one of the world’s most iconic capital cities, and brings the best of the sport together in nail-biting competition for the 12th leg of the tour.

This unique venue close to the River Thames and the chic boutiques of Chelsea has hosted a number of world-class events, and none more so than the thrilling 2024 LGCT and GCL circuit.

Royal Hospital Chelsea will once again be the unique and prestigious venue for the London leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour. World-class show jumping will take place on the South Grounds which lead down to the River Thames, with the breathtaking backdrop of the heritage buildings designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Founded by King Charles II over 300 years ago, it has provided care and comradeship for veterans, known the world over as the Chelsea Pensioners. The event has become a fixture on the social calendar with celebrities such as Jodie Kidd, Rory Bremner, Richard Hammond and Ronan Keating amongst others, all enjoying the action.

London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a 21st-century city with history stretching back to Roman times. At its centre stands the imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic ‘Big Ben’ clock tower and Westminster Abbey, site of British monarch coronations. Across the Thames River, the London Eye observation wheel provides panoramic views of the South Bank cultural complex, and the entire city. London contains four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London; Kew Gardens; the site comprising the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and St Margaret's Church; and the historic settlement in Greenwich where the Royal Observatory, Greenwich defines the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) and Greenwich Mean Time. Other landmarks include Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square and The Shard.

The UK has a strong equestrian community with millions of people riding and following the top British show jumpers as they compete around the world. The London event on the Longines Global Champions Tour calendar is the 12th event on the circuit, coming at a key stage in the 2024 season when the ranking battle will be at full throttle for a place in GC Playoffs.

Stream the world's premier show jumping series live and on-demand for as low as €4.99 per month (when purchasing a Live Pass Annual)!

Make the most of each event with a hospitality package that gives unfiltered access to the world of equestrian sport and elegant lifestyle.

Go on tour with Global Champions in the most breathtaking locations.

My vision is clear. Only the best for the best. Jan Tops - Founder & President

SZA, Steely Dan, R.E.M., Trey Anastasio, Carrie Underwood and Many More Light up 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Ceremony

By Jem Aswad

Executive Editor, Music

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On this night, one can see Lady Gaga singing Four Non-Blondes’ hit “What’s Up” to Linda Perry; Stevie Nicks belting “The Rose” to Bette Midler; Emmylou Harris performing Eric Clapton’s heartbreaking hit “Tears in Heaven” for the song’s co-writer Will Jennings; Joe Walsh performing ELO’s “Don’t Bring Me Down” (and saying, “I always wanted to be in ELO — now I have”), and in 2011, the evening ended with Billy Joel and Garth Brooks duetting at the piano in matching Stetson hats.

Every year, honorees who have won multiple Grammy and other awards say this award means the most to them, because a recognition from their peers of the art and craft that is the very foundation of all music: songwriting, a message that is more important than ever as the industry continues to find new and brazen ways to avoid paying the creators of that foundation .

This event is probably the only one on earth that could feature performances from R.E.M., SZA (pictured above with hit producer and SHOF president Nile Rodgers), Carrie Underwood, Andra Day, Phish’s Trey Anastasio, Keith Urban, El Debarge and Jason Isbell, but a similar statement could be made every year.

However, a couple of things were very different this year. For one, the tightly-run show — which often approaches (and sometimes even passes) the five-hour mark due to packed lineups and speeches that can hit the double-digit-minute mark — was done before 11 p.m. for the first time in anyone’s memory. And second but far more significant, longtime SHOF CEO Linda Moran, who was appointed to the role in 2001 and whose industry career reaches back to the 1960s, wasn’t there, for the only reason that could have kept her away: At the top of the show, Board member Evan Lamberg of Universal Music Publishing gently told the audience that Moran wasn’t there because she’s battling leukemia. Yet he quickly countered the gasps in the room by saying that she’s receiving the best possible care and treatment is moving in a good direction. He then led the crowd in a quick video greeting to her before moving on to the show.

The evening’s music kicked off in characteristically far-reaching fashion with the tribute to songwriter Dean Pitchford, as the high school-aged winners of the Hall’s 2024 Abe Olman Scholarship sang his hit for Irene Cara from the film “Fame,” followed by R&B singer Deniece Williams delivering a stellar version of “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” followed by Kevin Bacon, with his brother Michael on guitar, singing “Footloose,” complete with some fleet footwork from Kevin, who starred in the film some 40 years ago. Pitchford delivered a gracious acceptance speech before singing a medley of his other songs, finishing with “Once Before I Go.”

A dramatic musical shift followed as Phish singer-guitarist Trey Anastasio took the stage to honor Steely Dan — Donald Fagen and the late Walter Becker — playing a sleek medley of “Kid Charlamagne” and “Reeling in the Years,” remarkably channeling Fagen’s voice on the former and showing some dazzling guitar work on both.

Veteran power manager Irving Azoff took the stage to induct his longtime clients, telling an amusing story about how the group, which stubbornly refused to tour during their 1970s commercial peak, asked him one day to schedule a concert. Azoff excitedly booked a show, which quickly sold out, and then asked the group when he could follow with more dates. “‘Oh, we have no intention of touring,’ he recalled them saying. ‘We just wanted to see how big we are,’” and promptly canceled the date. Fagen followed with a brief and gracious thank you. 

In a characteristically effusive acceptance speech, SZA noted that her parents were in the audience and said, “Out of all the awards, I feel like this means the most — it validates my entire career.” Accompanied by a guitarist, she then delivered an acoustic version of her 2023 hit single, “Snooze.”

Next up was Carrie Underwood, who used every bit of her formidable vocal power to honor songwriter Hillary Lindsey, writer of one of her biggest hits, “Jesus Take the Wheel.” Lindsey — no mean singer herself — gave a warm acceptance speech before picking up a vintage Gibson acoustic guitar to deliver a medley of two of her other hits, inviting Keith Urban to the stage to duet with her on his Lindsey-cowritten 2016 hit, “Blue Ain’t Your Color.”

The crowd roared as Missy Elliott took the stage to induct her longtime friend and collaborator, hit producer Timbaland (Tomothy Mosely) — the pair, who met as high school students in Virginia, soared into the public consciousness in 1996 by cowriting and coproducing Aaliyah’s “One in a Million” album and haven’t dipped since. She recalled seeing his “big hands on this little keyboard, and I was amazed that he could make songs with [the keyboard’s] weird dog and cat sounds and handclap noises.” She also recalled Moseley’s father, a long-haul truck driver, telling the pair to stop making so much noise “with your boobiddy bop-bop” because he had to rest up for a drive.

“That boobiddy bop-bop is now in the Songwriters Hall of Fame,” she concluded with a laugh.

Moseley gave the evening’s only long acceptance speech before leading the ace house band through a fast-paced, mostly instrumental medley of around a dozen of his hits — complete with a conductor’s wand — including “Big Pimpin’,” “Pony,” “Get Your Freak On,” “Drunk in Love,” “Promiscuous,” and “Suit & Tie,” concluding with Justin Timberlake’s 2006 smash “SexyBack.”

Country star Jason Isbell then took the stage to honor R.E.M. — singer Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry — with a rapid-fire version of their 1987 hit “It’s the End of the World as We Know It.” Calling them “my friends and my heroes,” he spoke of their vast influence on him and many others as a young musician. He presented all four members with their trophies and then stepped aside as Stipe gave a heartfelt acceptance speech on behalf of the entire group, which then moved center stage to perform their 1991 hit “Losing My Religion.” (Read Variety ’s full recap of R.E.M.’s speech and performance here .)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jem Aswad (@jemaswad)

Warren grew emotional during her characteristically humorous and idiosyncratic speech, thanking her mother “for being the first of many I proved wrong” but then tearing up as she thought of her watching from heaven, her father “for being the first of many I proved right,” Clive Davis, who she called one of her greatest champions, and all of the artists “who make my songs sound a hell of a lot better than I do.”

The evening concluded with El Debarge taking the stage for a show-closing version of Warren’s hit “Rhythm of the Night” — which the audience, pleasantly surprised by the early hour, slowly filtered out into.

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