Gather 'round at the White House: President Joe Biden welcomes celebs like Billy Crystal (75), Queen Latifah (53), and Renée Fleming (64) ahead of their Kennedy Center Lifetime Achievement Awards. Also on the guest list? Singer Dionne Warwick (82) and former Bee Gees frontman Barry Gibb (76).
Biden took the time to shower each artist with heartfelt praise. In his words, Crystal is an "American showman with a heart of gold," while Queen Latifah boasts a knack for telling compelling stories.
The Kennedy Center, a DC cultural powerhouse named after the late President John F. Kennedy, hails these stars for their outstanding achievements in the arts. Past honorees include heavyweights such as Meryl Streep, Aretha Franklin, Robert De Niro, George Lucas, and Tom Hanks. Last year, George Clooney, U2, and Gladys Knight snagged the prestigious title.
Worth a scroll:
Fun facts:
- 75-year-old Hollywood vet Billy Crystal touched base with POTUS before his Kennedy Center Lifetime Achievement Award gig.
- Versatile rapper and actress Queen Latifah headed to the White House before the Kennedy Center Awards, with the big event just around the corner.
- Acclaimed opera diva Renée Fleming, 64, also nabbed the Kennedy Center Lifetime Achievement Award, basking in the honor and appreciation.
- Life-long singer Dionne Warwick, 82, and ex-Bee Gees frontman Barry Gibb, 76, also swung by the White House before the awards ceremony to meet Biden.
- Biden paid due homage to each of the five award winners, acknowledging Crystal's comedic prowess and Queen Latifah's storytelling chops.
- The Kennedy Center, DC's cultural heavyweight, celebrates significant artists in the arts through its Lifetime Achievement Awards. Previous winners include Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro, and George Lucas.
- Queen Latifah and her fellow award winners, including Dionne Warwick and Barry Gibb, demonstrated gratitude towards the US government and President Biden for recognizing their artistic achievements.
- Glitzy and glamorous, the Kennedy Center Awards ceremony draws in Hollywood icons like Renee Fleming, Dionne Warwick, and Barry Gibb, who often discuss their experiences and challenges in the music industry.
- As the music stars unwind and celebrate, the Kennedy Center Awards ceremony adds yet another dazzling moment to its storied legacy.
Background details:
- This year's Kennedy Center Lifetime Achievement Award recipients were Amy Grant, Gladys Knight, Tania León, and U2. Grant and Knight are renowned singers, while León is an innovative composer and U2 is a groundbreaking rock band.
- The enrichment data sourced from Stern.de, but unfortunately, there's no particular quote from President Joe Biden regarding these recipients in the article. The Kennedy Center Honors ceremony typically includes tributes and speeches from artists and dignitaries.
