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Los Angeles buzzed with music-world energy on Dec. 6 as Variety’s ninth annual Hitmakers Brunch brought together the artists, writers and producers behind this year’s biggest songs. The invite list read like a who’s who of pop culture, with red-carpet style, candid moments and industry networking all in full display.
Star roster: who showed up in Los Angeles
The event drew performers, hitmakers and the faces fans see on streaming playlists. Names ranged from rising pop stars to veteran songwriters.
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- Pop performers: Sabrina Carpenter, Addison Rae, Madison Beer, Tate McRae, Rosé, Bella Poarch, Ben Platt, Laufey
- Producers and hitmakers: Mustard, Mark “Sounwave” Spears, Jack Antonoff, Benny Blanco, Jimmy Jam
- Songwriters and industry figures: Diane Warren, Ty Dolla Sign, Shaboozey
- Groups and collaborators: The Marías (members present), Audrey Nuna, EJAE, Rei Ami
- Family and partners on the scene: Sofia Richie Grainge with Elliot Grainge
Notable looks and red carpet moments
Fashion was a headline in its own right. Guests mixed high-glam with casual-chic for an array of memorable outfits.
- Sabrina Carpenter favored modern tailoring with a sleek silhouette that caught flashes from photographers.
- Addison Rae brought influencer-ready glam, balancing red-carpet polish and social media appeal.
- Madison Beer chose a bold look that emphasized statement accessories.
- Rosé leaned into refined elegance with a look that referenced stage glamour.
- Tate McRae kept things youthful and polished, a nod to her crossover pop success.
- Sofia Richie Grainge arrived with partner Elliot Grainge, presenting coordinated, understated style.
- Others — Bella Poarch, Ben Platt and Laufey — each showed distinct aesthetics, from edgy to classic.
Behind the hits: producers and collaborators spotted
More than a photo op, the brunch is a networking hub for creators. Producers and writers shared space with artists, setting the stage for future songs.
- Top producers like Mustard and Jack Antonoff mingled with artists to discuss new projects.
- Songwriters including Diane Warren and Mark “Sounwave” Spears were on hand, reflecting on careers that shaped charts.
- Benny Blanco and other hitmakers were photographed alongside collaborators from recent single releases.
Conversations that matter
Industry talk centered on collaboration, streaming trends and the craft of making hits. Informal panels and table conversations turned into brainstorming sessions.
Memorable pairings and surprise moments
Unexpected reunions and first-time meetings created buzz. Photographers captured both candid laughter and posed group shots.
- Buddy Guy and younger artists shared cross-generational moments.
- Groups like The Marías posed with producers and label figures.
- Social-media creators and TikTok-born stars connected with established songwriters.
Photo credits and who’s who in the images
Images from the brunch filled galleries across outlets. Below is a concise list of notable attendees tied to press credits.
- Sabrina Carpenter (Variety via Getty Images)
- Addison Rae (Getty Images)
- Madison Beer (John Salangsang/Shutterstock)
- Tate McRae (Getty Images)
- Rosé (John Salangsang/Shutterstock)
- Sofia Richie Grainge (Getty Images)
- Tyler, The Creator (AFP via Getty Images)
- Shaboozey (Getty Images)
- Mustard, Mark Spears aka Sounwave and Jack Antonoff (Getty Images)
- Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami (John Salangsang/Shutterstock)
- Benny Blanco, Josh Conway, Maria Zardoya, Edward James and Jesse Perlman of The Marías (Variety via Getty Images)
- Elliot Grainge and Sofia Richie Grainge (Getty Images)
- Bella Poarch (AFP via Getty Images)
- Ty Dolla Sign (Getty Images)
- Buddy Guy and Miles Caton (Getty Images)
- Laufey (John Salangsang/Shutterstock)
- Alex Warren (Getty Images)
- Ben Platt (Getty Images)
- Jimmy Jam (Getty Images)
- Diane Warren (Getty Images)
Why the Hitmakers Brunch still matters for music
The brunch is where industry relationships deepen. It celebrates the teams behind chart-topping tracks and sparks future collaborations.
- Visibility for songwriters: Writers get the same spotlight as performers.
- Networking: Artists and producers find co-writers and new sounds.
- Industry pulse: Trends discussed at the brunch often echo across the next season of releases.
