In an unprecedented shift at the Kennedy Center, President Donald Trump announced the 2025 honorees on August 13, marking a new era of cultural recognition. This year’s list includes country music legend George Strait, theatrical icon Michael Crawford, disco powerhouse Gloria Gaynor, rock legends KISS, and Hollywood megastar Sylvester Stallone. For the first time in history, a sitting or former president—Trump himself—will host the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, which will be broadcast on CBS this December.
This is also the first class of honorees selected under Trump’s leadership after his February 2025 takeover of the Kennedy Center’s board, where he removed Biden-era trustees and appointed his own. This action followed a public statement criticizing previous programming for being “too woke,” citing drag performances as one of the reasons for the change.
What is the significance of the Kennedy Center Honorees 2025 under Trump’s leadership?
Trump’s involvement has transformed what was traditionally an arts-focused, bipartisan celebration into a high-profile political and entertainment spectacle. The 2025 announcement took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and featured Trump’s signature commentary, including jokes about his former reality show hosting skills and claims that organizers “begged” him to host for better ratings.
He openly praised honoree Sylvester Stallone as a friend and “mythical American figure,” referred to Michael Crawford as “one of the greatest talents I’ve ever seen,” and lauded Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” as “one of the greatest songs ever recorded.” The event showcased Trump’s personal tastes and longtime affinity for the honorees’ cultural significance.
His appointment as chairman and now as host sets a tone never before seen at the Kennedy Center Honors. He’s also the first president to never attend the gala during his prior term, making this hosting role an ironic reversal.
Who are the 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees?
George Strait
At 73, George Strait becomes the first country artist honored since Garth Brooks in 2020. He holds more No. 1 hits than any other artist in any genre and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006. With five Billboard 200 No. 1 albums and a Grammy for Troubadour, Strait’s impact on country music is unparalleled.
KISS
The iconic rock band—Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss—brings theatrical glam and heavy metal flair to the Kennedy Center. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, KISS is the sixth rock group to receive this honor, joining The Who, Led Zeppelin, Eagles, U2, and the Grateful Dead.
Michael Crawford
Best known for originating the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera, Crawford won a Tony Award in 1988 and earned Grammy nominations for his Broadway work. Trump noted he was present at Crawford’s 1967 Broadway debut and called him “a phenomenal performer.”
Gloria Gaynor
The disco queen and two-time Grammy winner was celebrated for her hits “Never Can Say Goodbye” and “I Will Survive.” The latter, which earned recognition in the Grammy Hall of Fame and Library of Congress, made Gaynor a symbol of resilience and strength.
Sylvester Stallone
Famed for his portrayal of Rocky Balboa and John Rambo, Stallone earned Oscar nominations for acting and writing. Trump called him a close friend and praised his family, despite initial doubts that Stallone would accept the honor. Trump compared his Hollywood Walk of Fame star to Stallone’s, joking that his own was “more popular.”
Why this year’s ceremony matters more than ever
This edition of the Kennedy Center Honors signifies a broader political and cultural recalibration. With Trump’s direct control, the shift is not only artistic but ideological. His decisions to cancel certain shows and remove trustees reflect an intent to return the Center to what he calls its “traditional American roots.”
The show’s production may also shift. Longtime production partners like Done+Dusted have reportedly distanced themselves from this year’s event, and insiders note that further resignations from the Kennedy Center’s creative staff could follow.
The 2025 gala is likely to include notable performances, but with several production changes and the president himself at the helm, its format and tone may differ greatly from past ceremonies.
Kennedy Center Honors 2025 reflects a cultural reset for one of America’s most prestigious institutions. With honorees like George Strait, KISS, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor, and Sylvester Stallone, and President Trump as host, this year’s ceremony is expected to blend tradition with spectacle in ways never seen before.
You Must Know:
Who are the Kennedy Center Honorees 2025?
George Strait, KISS, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor, and Sylvester Stallone have been named the 2025 honorees.
Why is Donald Trump hosting the Kennedy Center Honors?
As the new chairman of the Kennedy Center, Trump has taken full control of the board and announced he will personally host the ceremony for better ratings and cultural influence.
When will the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors air?
The event will be broadcast on CBS in December 2025, with Trump as the first-ever president to host the ceremony.
Is this the first time Trump has been involved with the Kennedy Center Honors?
Yes. He did not attend during his first term and has now made his debut both as chairman and host following a February 2025 takeover.
What makes the 2025 ceremony different from previous years?
This is the first year the honorees were selected and announced under Trump’s leadership, following his complete overhaul of the Kennedy Center’s board and programming direction.
Has there been controversy around the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors?
Yes. The arts community has shown mixed reactions, with some artists and production partners distancing themselves from the event amid political concerns.
জুমবাংলা নিউজ সবার আগে পেতে Follow করুন জুমবাংলা গুগল নিউজ, জুমবাংলা টুইটার , জুমবাংলা ফেসবুক, জুমবাংলা টেলিগ্রাম এবং সাবস্ক্রাইব করুন জুমবাংলা ইউটিউব চ্যানেলে।
