2025 Kennedy Center Honors Celebrate George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, Stallone, Crawford, and KISS

Household names from the world of music, film, and theater are being recognized at the 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C. This year’s ceremony, hosted by President Donald Trump, features a slate of honorees he has publicly praised, continuing his hands-on approach to reshaping the prestigious awards program.

The 2025 honorees include country music superstar George Strait, Broadway legend Michael Crawford, actor Sylvester Stallone, disco icon Gloria Gaynor, and the rock band KISS. The president said he was heavily involved in selecting the honorees, personally approving a lineup he called one of the most accomplished groups in the history of the awards.

George Strait rose to stardom with his 1981 album “Strait Country,” eventually selling more than 120 million records worldwide. Michael Crawford is best known for his celebrated role in “The Phantom of the Opera,” which earned him a Tony Award for best actor in 1988. Sylvester Stallone remains a cultural icon through his “Rocky” and action film careers and has recently become more visible in political circles.

Gloria Gaynor’s hits like “I Will Survive” cemented her status as the queen of disco and her work continues to be honored across generations. KISS, known for their theatrical rock performances and distinctive style, has influenced global entertainment for decades. During the Oval Office ceremony, the late Ace Frehley’s daughter accepted his medal on behalf of the band.

The televised gala will air December 23 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and stream on Paramount, giving viewers across the country a front-row seat to one of the performing arts world’s biggest nights.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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