Variety Hitmakers Gallery: Sabrina Carpenter, the ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Singers, Addison Rae, Tate McRae, Alex Warren, Tyler, the Creator and Other Stars Hit the Red Carpet

The music industry's most influential chart-toppers of 2025 converged at Nya West in Hollywood for Variety's annual Hitmakers luncheon. This prestigious gathering, which celebrates the artists and producers behind the year's biggest songs, saw Hitmaker of the Year Sabrina Carpenter honored alongside the vocalists behind the hit "Golden" from the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack: Audrey Nuna, EJAE, and Rei Ami.

Beyond the main honorees, the event's star-studded guest list featured a wide array of talent. Attendees and award recipients included global phenoms like Rosé of BLACKPINK and viral pop forces Tate McRae and Addison Rae. The room also buzzed with the presence of genre-defining artists such as Tyler, the Creator, legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy, and hitmaking producers Jack Antonoff and Mustard. The diversity of modern music was further represented by corridos tumbados group Fuerza Regida and rapper BigXthaPlug.

A notable roster of presenters added to the event's glamour. These included iconic rapper and flautist Andre 3000, whose own experimental new work has captivated critics, jazz-pop sensation Laufey, and prolific songwriter Benny Blanco. Industry veterans like Jimmy Jam, a key architect of the Minneapolis sound in the 1980s, shared the stage with newer media personalities like podcast host Jake Shane.

The luncheon serves as a real-world extension of Variety's special Hitmakers issue, effectively turning the page from print recognition to in-person celebration. As one industry analyst noted, "Events like this highlight the increasingly collaborative and cross-genre nature of hitmaking today, where streaming algorithms and social media trends create unexpected connections between artists." The presence of figures ranging from country artist Megan Moroney to executive Elliot Grainge underscores the wide net cast by the modern music business.

Further elevating the event's profile were additional appearances by major figures like breakout country-rap artist Shaboozey, legendary songwriter Diane Warren, and versatile vocalist Ty Dolla Sign. Their participation reinforced the Hitmakers luncheon's status as a key industry nexus, where established legends and viral newcomers alike network and celebrate a year of musical success.