President Trump stands in the presidential box as he tours the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on March 17.
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Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
The Kennedy Center Honors have traditionally been one of Washington’s splashiest affairs. Think Hollywood on the Potomac.
Every year, an astonishing number of A-listers come to Washington, D.C., to pay tribute to the honorees with performances and speeches. Think Beyoncé performing for Tina Turner, Audrey Hepburn rhapsodizing about Cary Grant, Rob Reiner praising Norman Lear, Aretha Franklin singing for Carol King, Sidney Poitier honoring Harry Belafonte or James Taylor and John Williams playing for Yo-Yo Ma.
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This year’s Kennedy Center honorees are Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, the rock band KISS, Gloria Gaynor and English actor and singer Michael Crawford.
As in years past, Sunday night’s gala will be turned into a broadcast special that will air on CBS and Paramount+ on Dec. 23.
But, after months of upheaval at the Kennedy Center, the 48th Honors will be different. In February, President Trump abruptly ousted the Kennedy Center president, Deborah Rutter, and board chair David Rubenstein. Staff who worked on the ceremony and broadcast have also recently resigned.
Here’s what else has changed.
The selection process
In the past, honorees were chosen in a months-long, bipartisan undertaking by members of the Kennedy Center board with input from the general public and past honorees. Ultimately recipients were selected by executive members of the board and a couple of other senior staff members, with consultation from past honorees such as Julie Andrews, Lionel Richie and John Williams.
This year, President Trump said he was “about 98%” involved in the selection process. He also broke with tradition by personally announcing the names at a press conference at the Kennedy Center last August.
“` The announcement was previously made on the center’s website and in press releases. The element of surprise on the faces of honorees as they discover who has come to pay their respects has consistently delivered memorable and touching moments on television.
The anticipation surrounding the upcoming Kennedy Center Honors has sparked speculation about the attendees for this year’s event. Despite past disagreements with administrations, many artists have traditionally made a point to attend, with some even making it an annual tradition.
However, this year may see a shift in attendance. Former honoree Herbie Hancock, a regular attendee and consultant during the selection process, will be absent as he embarks on a tour of Asia. Similarly, last year’s honoree and tribute performer Bonnie Raitt will also not be in attendance.
Over the years, the Kennedy Center has cultivated strong relationships with prominent performing artists from across the globe. During a press conference in August, President Trump proudly proclaimed that he and the center’s new leadership had put an end to what he referred to as “woke political programming.” These words may have alienated some artists and could influence their decision to participate in future events.
