After an uplifting performance by Post Malone, who delivered his hit ?Sunflower? and humorously referred to it as ?my only good song,? Sir Lucian Grainge took the stage to honor the 2025 Industry Icon, Jody Gerson. However, he began by addressing the devastating impact of recent wildfires in Los Angeles, which have caused significant suffering and loss for many, including fellow artists and songwriters. He emphasized the importance of community togetherness during these challenging times, stating, ?As a united force, we must strive to provide relief to those affected. While we work towards recovery, let’s also celebrate the achievements that inspire our collective future. It is my great honor this evening to introduce Jody Gerson, a true luminary in the industry who deserves our recognition and celebration.?

Jody Gerson took the stage next, sharing inspiring anecdotes from her impressive three-decade career, during which she has championed renowned artists such as Adele, Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and many more. She reminisced about the first time she managed to sneak into this very event years ago. ?Receiving my first official invite was a defining moment in my career,? she reflected. ?I vividly remember that year; it was when Alicia Keys released her groundbreaking debut album, Songs in A Minor. Clive, I was thrilled to share in its monumental success with you.? Gerson proudly highlighted their ongoing collaboration through the organization She Is the Music, which aims to amplify the presence of women in the music industry.

Reflecting on the moment she learned about her recognition, Gerson expressed her surprise when Harvey Mason Jr. called to share the news. She fondly recalled her childhood as a ?precocious little girl? who spent countless hours at her father and grandfather?s club in New Jersey, where legendary performers like Frank Sinatra and Diana Ross graced the stage. ?I spent a lot of time backstage, observing the artists and musicians before their performances. I absorbed everything, from how my dad interacted with them to their pre-show rituals. Even at such a young age during the vibrant 70s, I instinctively knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the music business,? she shared passionately.

Gerson emphasized her desire for her influence to extend beyond the music industry. She recently became a board member of Project Healthy Minds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making mental health services more accessible. She highlighted the significant emotional toll the wildfires have taken on the community, stating, ?Many here are grappling with anxiety, depression, and trauma, feeling an overwhelming sense of loss of control. The situation in Los Angeles mirrors the broader mental health crisis facing our nation. We need to confront this urgent issue head-on. By normalizing the conversation around mental health care, we should celebrate iconic figures like Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and Chappell Roan, who are crucial in reducing the stigma and encouraging others to seek help.?

Despite her numerous contributions to the music industry and beyond, Gerson concluded by expressing that her greatest fulfillment comes from being a mother. ?My mom always said that I could have it all, and I do: a fulfilling career and a beautiful family.? This sentiment was echoed by her daughter, who proudly exclaimed, ?I?m so proud of you,? from the audience.

Before leaving the stage, Gerson redirected attention to the evening?s primary mission: aiding a community in distress. ?Music has the power to illuminate our darkest moments, and we need artists more than ever to bring hope and positivity into our lives,? she declared passionately. ?Now, more than ever, we must harness the healing power of music.?