WASHINGTON, Dec 3 (Portal) – Washington on Sunday celebrated singer Dionne Warwick, comedian Billy Crystal, Bee Gees member Barry Gibb, rapper and actress Queen Latifah and opera star Renée Fleming at the Kennedy Center Honors, the highest US award for achievement in the arts.
President Joe Biden praised the five artists’ work at a White House reception before the show.
“The performing arts are more than just sound and scene. They reflect who we are as Americans and as people,” he said.
The show began with a tribute to Warwick, 82, a pop music star since the 1960s who has sold more than 100 million records and is known for hits such as “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” and “That’s What Friends Are.” For,” a song she recorded in 1985 with Gladys Knight, Elton John and Stevie Wonder to raise awareness of AIDS.
“There simply isn’t a song that Dionne Warwick can’t sing,” said record producer Clive Davis, adding that she has “inspired musicians all over the world.” Singer Cynthia Erivo sang a rousing version of Warwick’s song “Alfie.”
Crystal, 75, known for roles in films such as Harry and Sally, City Slickers and Analyze This, was next in line. Actors Meg Ryan and Robert De Niro appeared on stage to pay tribute to their friend.
“You’re only 75. That means you’re only about six years away from reaching the perfect age to be elected president,” De Niro quipped. Biden, 81, is running for re-election. The crowd roared.
Crystal is a Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor and writer who has hosted the Academy Awards nine times. Whoopi Goldberg, who also paid tribute to Crystal, said he should win an honorary Oscar for his contributions as the show’s longtime host.
Next came Queen Latifah, 53, a musician and actress known for films such as “Chicago” and “Bringing Down the House” who won a Grammy Award for Best Solo Rap Performance in 1994.
[1/5]Honoree Dionne Warwick and her family attend the 46th Kennedy Center Honors Gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington, USA, December 3, 2023. Portal/Julia Nikhinson acquire license rights
“I feel very blessed. I feel very honored,” she told reporters. Actress Kerry Washington said her friend is one of the “best rappers of all time.”
Singers Tituss Burgess, Christine Baranski and Susan Graham performed “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from the Broadway show “Carousel” as a tribute to Fleming, 64, an acclaimed soprano who has performed in opera houses around the world and a Grammy winner won awards.
“It’s wild” to be an honoree, Fleming said. “It’s all joy.” Film star Sigourney Weaver appeared and praised Fleming’s acting.
Opera singer J’Nai Bridges said before the show that Fleming helped bring opera more into the mainstream.
“Renée Fleming absolutely made opera more accessible,” she told reporters. “She made a breakthrough and paved the way for generations like me.”
The show ended with a celebration for Gibb, 77, a singer and songwriter who performed with his brothers Robin and Maurice in the Bee Gees, a group that sold more than 220 million records. He has won nine Grammy Awards and is known as part of the trio for songs such as “Stayin’ Alive” and “How Deep Is Your Love.”
He told reporters before the show that he felt the presence of his brothers, both of whom died.
“It’s very emotional,” he said. “What we all did together – when we were good, when we were successful – that was something we could be proud of.”
Country group Little Big Town performed Gibbs’ song “Lonely Days,” singer Michael Bublé sang “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” and Broadway star Ben Platt performed “Nights on Broadway.”
The recorded program will be broadcast on December 27th by US television network CBS.
Reporting by Jeff Mason and Jasper Ward. Edited by Gerry Doyle
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