Trump Highlights Kennedy Center Honorees for 2025: Notable Figures in the Realm of Performing Arts, Lauded by the President
The Kennedy Center Honors for 2025 have been announced, and the recipients are none other than George Strait, KISS, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor, and Sylvester Stallone. These esteemed artists are being recognised for their lifetime achievements in music, theater, and film.
George Strait, the King of Country
Known as the "King of Country Music," George Strait has sold over 120 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists in the genre. His discography boasts 60 number-one hits and 33 platinum-certified albums, a record for any living American artist. Strait is the only act to have a Top 10 hit every year for more than three decades. Offstage, he is known for his philanthropy, having raised tens of millions of dollars for military and children's causes.
KISS, Icons of American Rock
KISS, the iconic rock band, is celebrated not only for their musical achievements but also for their cultural impact. Known for their theatrical stage presence and resilience through skepticism, they have become symbols of perseverance and dedication in American rock music. KISS have sold more than 100 million records worldwide, produced 30 gold albums, and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Michael Crawford, a Broadway Legend
Michael Crawford is a Broadway legend and singer best known for originating the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. His performance defined one of the greatest roles in musical theater, earning him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Crawford made his Broadway debut in 1967.
Gloria Gaynor, Disco Diva and Icon
Famous for disco classics like “I Will Survive,” Gloria Gaynor is recognised for her influence in popular music and her status as a disco diva whose work has inspired generations. Gaynor won the 1980 Grammy Award for Best Disco Recording for "I Will Survive." In 2020, she won a second Grammy for her gospel album "Testimony."
Sylvester Stallone, a Pioneer in American Cinema
An actor and filmmaker widely known for iconic roles such as Rocky Balboa in Rocky and John Rambo in Rambo, Sylvester Stallone’s work has had a significant impact on American cinema and popular culture. Stallone is a three-time Oscar nominee and a Golden Globe Award winner. His films have grossed more than $7.5 billion worldwide over the course of his six-decade career.
The 2025 honors ceremony is notable for being hosted by President Donald Trump, who has taken an active role in selecting the honorees and is involved in the Kennedy Center's revamp under his chairmanship. The official awards ceremony will take place on December 7, 2025, and will be broadcast later on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.
These honorees represent a diverse spectrum of American arts and culture, celebrated for their enduring legacies and contributions to entertainment and cultural history.
George Strait's illustrious career spans beyond country music, as he has sold over 120 million records worldwide and earned numerous platinum certifications. His philanthropic efforts, focused on military and children's causes, add to his significant impact on American culture.
KISS, with their theatrical stage presence and resilience, have not only created remarkable music but also have become symbols of perseverance within American rock music. Their discography, which has sold more than 100 million records, and their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction reflect their immense influence on popular culture.
Michael Crawford, a Broadway legend, established his legacy through his iconic role as the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera. His Tony Award-winning performance and his long-lasting contributions to musical theater history cement his standing as a significant figure in American arts and cultural history.
