By Edna Gundersen, USA TODAY

Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, 'N Sync, Limp Bizkit and Willie Nelson made the cut. So did LL Cool J, Vince Gill, Lauryn Hill and Howard Stern. Celebs of every stripe are among 828 guests heading to Grammy week's most coveted soiree, Arista's gala tonight in the Beverly Hills Hotel. Carlos Santana and Whitney Houston are slated to perform.

Arista chief Clive Davis is to the Grammys what Swifty Lazar was to the Oscars, an über host whose party generates more buzz and lobbying than the event it toasts. He'll reserve "A" tables for power couple Sean "Puffy" Combs and Jennifer Lopez, the Arista stable (Barry Manilow, Sarah McLachlan, Kenny G, Babyface) and Hollywood's George Lucas and Cameron Diaz. Davis also beckoned nominees Kid Rock, Britney Spears, Moby, Macy Gray and Sting.

The affair is luring 41 camera crews. Bartenders are prepared to mix thousands of drinks; 92 waiters will serve Chilean sea bass, roasted rack of lamb and coconut shrimp. Centerpieces boast 4,000 roses.

Though rumors persist that he will be replaced as label head this year, Davis says: "This is the biggest year of my career, and I'm looking forward to the future." Arista nabbed 46 Grammy nods. Davis got three, his first ever, for producing albums by Santana and Whitney Houston. And he'll get a special Trustees Award.