President Donald Trump broke with tradition this year for the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. Instead of being a spectator for the event, he hosted the annual gala. Never before has a president done the emceeing duties for the occasion. (These awards named for President John F. Kennedy celebrate those who have had long, distinguished careers in the arts.) Past hosts have included people such as late-night TV show host Stephen Colbert and the late news anchor Walter Cronkite.
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Trump Foresees a Ratings Bonanza
Trump was not shy about making a certain prediction. He spoke about the potential blockbuster success of the telecast of the Kennedy Center Honors on December 23 on CBS and Paramount+. (The event actually took place on December 7.) Per Billboard, he stated, ""It's going to be something that I believe, and I'm going to make a prediction: This will be the highest-rated show that they've ever done and they've gotten some pretty good ratings, but there's nothing like what's going to happen...."
Trump said per the outlet that he was invited to host the glittering ceremony. It was "at the request of a certain television network." He clearly has on-air experience. Trump previously hosted the TV reality show The Apprentice.
Who Are This Year's Honorees?
Launched 47 years ago, the Kennedy Center Honors are bestowed on people who made a lasting impact on the cultural world. That certainly describes this year's famed inductees. They include actor Michael Crawford, renowned for his role in Phantom of the Opera, the rock band KISS, country music giant George Strait, pop music standout Gloria Gaynor, and star Sylvester Stallone of the Rambo and Rocky movie franchises.
The Event Was Bittersweet for KISS
KISS members Gene Sommons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss must have been thinking of their missing bandmate, Ace Frehley, when they accepted their Kennedy Center Honors. He died in October after having a fall. Per the outlet, Simmons shared that Trump told him that an empty chair in memory of Frehley would be placed at the event.
Many Outstanding Artists Have Received This Recognition
Some remarkable people have earned a Kennedy Center Honor in past years. They include Sally Field, Al Pacino, Linda Ronstadt, Debbie Allen, and Joan Baez.
