Tributes Shine at a Politics-Free Kennedy Center Honors
So, picture this: it’s a glamorous Sunday night at the Kennedy Center, and instead of political chatter or heated commentary, the entire evening is centered around pure celebration. That was the vibe at this year’s Kennedy Center Honors, an event that—despite all the usual noise surrounding it—managed to bring the focus back to the artists themselves.
The red carpet set the tone early. The three living members of KISS walked in, not in their iconic makeup or flamboyant outfits, but in sharp tuxedos. Even so, they were greeted like the rock legends they are. Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss seemed to draw a crowd effortlessly. And they weren’t the only famous faces in the room—Gloria Gaynor, Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, and Michael Crawford were all present, contributing to a night that was packed with entertainment royalty.
But the event had another unexpected spotlight: President Trump. This was the first time a president had hosted the ceremony himself, and he reminded the audience—several times—that he played a big role in choosing the honorees. He even joked about renaming the building after himself, which drew a mix of laughter and disbelief from the crowd.
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Still, once the show began, the politics faded into the background. The presenters kept things warm and personal. Sylvester Stallone was honored first, with composer Bill Conti performing music from Rocky—a nostalgic moment that pulled the crowd right in. Kurt Russell shared stories from their time filming Tango & Cash, joking about just how intense a “love tap” from Stallone could be.
Kelsey Grammer took the stage to honor Phantom of the Opera star Michael Crawford, speaking passionately about how much he respects the Kennedy Center and commending the recent attention—and investment—it’s been receiving. For George Strait, it was a heartfelt tribute from Vince Gill, who performed “Troubadour,” while Brooks & Dunn and Miranda Lambert added their own nods to the country icon.
Gloria Gaynor’s segment brought energy, thanks to Elle King’s performance of “I Will Survive” and the gospel acts introduced by Montana Tucker. The audience lit up, celebrating Gaynor as the enduring “Queen of the Discotheques.”
For KISS, the moment was bittersweet. Ace Frehley had passed away in October, and Paul Stanley spoke briefly—but emotionally—about mourning him while still celebrating everything the band accomplished together. Garth Brooks honored them as timeless musicians whose signature makeup made them instantly recognizable across generations. Cheap Trick closed out the performances with “Rock and Roll All Nite,” creating the high-energy finale the night needed.
President Trump wrapped things up, hinting playfully about next year’s honorees but offering no names. Even as investigations swirl around his leadership of the Center, the night itself stayed focused on what the Honors were meant to celebrate: artistry, legacy, and the power of performance.
CBS will broadcast the ceremony on December 23, giving everyone a chance to relive the night where tributes took center stage.
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