Biden Hosts Kennedy Center: President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden graced the Kennedy Center Honors gala last night a celebration heralding a fresh cohort of distinguished performers and artists receiving this revered annual accolade.
The 2023 honorees are a stellar constellation featuring the comedic brilliance of Billy Crystal, the operatic prowess of Renée Fleming, the iconic melodies of the Bee Gees’ Barry Gibb, the multifaceted talent of rapper and actress Queen Latifah, and the soulful tunes of singer Dionne Warwick.
Deborah Rutter, President of the Kennedy Center, hailed this year’s lineup as an extraordinary fusion of trailblazers who’ve redefined their crafts, showcasing unparalleled resilience and authenticity in forging their unique artistic paths.
In an overwhelmed statement, Crystal expressed his deep gratitude for being chosen, echoing the sentiments shared by Latifah, who underscored the significance of her recognition reaching beyond herself to resonate with a larger creative community.
The Bidens hosted a reception earlier in the day at the White House for Crystal, Fleming, Gibb, Latifah, and Warwick. Joining them were Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who’ll accompany the Bidens to the evening gala.
Speaking passionately at the reception, President Biden underscored the profound significance of performing arts, emphasizing how they mirror the essence of American identity and human experience. He paid tribute to the 200+ Kennedy Center honorees across 46 years, acknowledging their role in shaping perspectives and our collective worldview.
Individually spotlighting Crystal, Fleming, Gibb, Latifah, and Warwick, President Biden also commemorated the recent passing of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, lauding her as a stalwart champion of the performing arts.
The gala, hosted by Gloria Estefanan honoree in 2017is set to unfold in Washington tonight, offering a grand stage for this year’s esteemed recipients.
Noteworthy names from the previous year’s class included George Clooney, Amy Grant, Gladys Knight, Tania León, and U2.
Traditionally graced by the President, the Kennedy Center Honors gala, regrettably bypassed by Donald and Melania Trump during their White House tenure, also faced disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Also read: Nick Cannon Disneyland Extravaganza: $200K Annual Magic for 12 Kids
Our Reader’s Queries
Who hosts Kennedy Center Honors?
In 2017, there was no official host, but Caroline Kennedy gave an introduction. Gloria Estefan hosted from mid-2018 to 2021, with LL Cool J taking over in 2019, and David Letterman hosting in late 2021. There was no designated host in 2022, but some past honorees stepped in to give an introduction.
What does the rainbow mean at the Kennedy Center?
Created by Ivan Chermayeff, the mastermind behind iconic logos for brands like National Geographic and NBC, the vibrant, rainbow-hued ribbon represents the diverse and adaptable talents found within the realm of performing arts.
Who are the 5 Kennedy Center honorees 2023?
Billy Crystal, Dionne Warwick, Renee Fleming, Queen Latifah, and Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees were honored at this year’s Kennedy Center ceremony. The event took place in Washington, D.C., and was a star-studded affair earlier this month.
Who is going to the Kennedy Center Honors?
The 2023 honorees feature comedian and actor Billy Crystal, opera singer Renée Fleming, the Bee Gees’ Barry Gibb, rapper and actress Queen Latifah, and singer Dionne Warwick.