The Kennedy Center has announced its honorees for its next ceremony, a list that includes Billy Crystal, Renee Fleming, Barry Gibb, Queen Latifah and Dionne Warwick.
Gloria Estefan will host the ceremony, which will take place on December 3. Organizers said the event would also pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip hop. Done+Dusted will return as executive producer. CBS will air the 46th annual event and it will stream on Paramount+.
Honorees have traditionally been honored throughout the weekend, with one reception hosted by the State Department and another held at the White House. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have attended the event in the past two years.
Kennedy Center President David Rubenstein said in a statement that Crystal was “a true comedian and multi-talented performer who has made millions around the world laugh since the 1980s.” Rubenstein said that Gibb, “along with his late brothers Robin and Maurice, set the music world on fire in the ’60s and later defined the modern dance era with his trademark falsetto sound and groove style.” Fleming said, “He has captivated audiences around the world with his dazzling voice, matchless artistry and ability to bring opera into the mainstream for more than four decades.” Latifah “shaped and innovated the art form in its early days, representing the black woman everywhere and using the idiom to become a powerful voice for change.” Warwick “has had a blast with his signature voice, striking presence and a slew of hits that have become the soundtrack of inspiration for generations of artists and audiences.”
more to come.