The stage-right wings had been set up like an elegant holding pen, draped all around with red-velvet curtains that cut off distractions from the back of the house and also shrouded the artists from the audience. It felt private there, nearly sacred—a space where each artist was meant to corral their butterflies in the moments before hitting the stage. Hize brought everyone together here for a preshow pep talk; Kelly, who had decided to play emcee for the night, popped champagne and told them all to break legs.
