Sylvester Stallone and the rock band Kiss named among this year's Kennedy Center Honorees; President Trump to preside over the ceremony
In a press conference at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced the honorees for the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors. The prestigious award, given to individuals who have made significant contributions to American culture through the performing arts, will recognize country music star George Strait, singer Gloria Gaynor, actor Sylvester Stallone, actor-singer Michael Crawford, and the rock band KISS.
This marks the first time the Kennedy Center honorees have been chosen since Trump took over as chairman of the board. Trump is not only selecting the honorees but will also be hosting the show, making it a unique event in the history of the Kennedy Center Honors.
George Strait, known as the "King of Country Music," has a career spanning over 40 years, boasting 60 No. 1 country singles, more than any artist in any genre. He has also sold over 120 million records worldwide and has been active philanthropically, supporting wounded veterans and children's causes.
Michael Crawford is renowned for originating the role of the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, a performance that won him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. His work has left a lasting mark on American theater and musical culture.
Sylvester Stallone, famous for iconic roles such as Rocky and Rambo, has made significant contributions to American film culture through his acting and screenwriting, creating enduring characters deeply woven into popular culture.
Gloria Gaynor is an influential singer credited with iconic hits like "I Will Survive," which has become an anthem of empowerment and resilience, impacting American music and culture especially in disco and R&B genres.
KISS, the rock band known for its elaborate live performances and makeup, has been a pivotal influence in rock music and American entertainment culture over multiple decades.
President Trump also announced he will personally host the 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors gala in December 2025 and emphasized plans to renovate the Kennedy Center to enhance its status as a premier institution for arts and culture in the U.S.
The Kennedy Center, a performing arts center located in Washington, D.C., has been under Trump's leadership since he was unanimously elected to lead the Kennedy Center's board in February of this year. The annual Kennedy Center Honors typically takes place in Washington, D.C., in December and airs on CBS.
Trump has been vocal about his plans for the Kennedy Center, posting on Truth Social, "NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA - ONLY THE BEST." The 48th Kennedy Center Honorees have been described as an outstanding group by President Donald Trump.
Last year's Kennedy Center Honors award recipients included filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, the Grateful Dead, singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt, jazz musician Arturo Sandoval, and the Apollo theater. The Kennedy Center Honors ceremony typically includes performances by artists and speeches by the honorees.
In a controversial move, Trump replaced board members appointed by his predecessor, Joe Biden. The Kennedy Center Honors for 2025 will celebrate the honorees, with the exact date yet to be announced.
