“This is huge,” Billy Crystal and Queen Latifah receive Kennedy Center honor
President Joe Biden attended the star-studded Kennedy Center Honors event, which recognizes artists for their lifetime achievements.
WASHINGTON – This year’s Kennedy Center Honors had something for everyone. Opera? Check. Comedy? Check. Hip hop? Check. Pop? Check. Champagne glasses during the break? Check.
This versatility makes sense when you consider the honorees of the 46th Kennedy Center Honors — singer Dionne Warwick; actor and comedian Billy Crystal; actress, singer and rapper Queen Latifah; soprano Renée Fleming; and singer and songwriter Barry Gibb. Five different artists, all with two key things in common: an unwavering commitment to their craft and a lot of love that they give to the world around them.
Hollywood royalty and politicians (i.e. Washington royalty), including President Joe Biden, came in formal wear to celebrate the honorees in a ceremony that will air Dec. 27 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.
The laughter continued, the applause echoed and heads moved as kind words and melodies poured in – from “I Say A Little Prayer for You” to “Stayin’ Alive.”
Dionne Warwick: “Long overdue” honor
Everyone’s (small) prayers were answered as the tribute to Dionne Warwick opened the evening. Former Kennedy Center honoree Debbie Allen shared the highlights of her career and life.
“Many may say this honor is long overdue as the list of their accomplishments and awards could revolve around this building,” Allen said. She’s right: The 82-year-old has sold more than 100 million records; was the first African-American singer to win a Grammy in the pop category; He was one of the first representatives and advocates of AIDS research and served as a government-appointed health ambassador. Also: Have you seen her sassy Twitter account?
A big part of Warwick’s legacy, of course, was her famous collaborations with the late Burt Bacharach and Hal David on nearly 20 major singles, including “Don’t Make Me Over.”
Many of Warwick’s hits were sung on the Kennedy Center stage. Mickey Guyton, dressed in a gorgeous red dress, delivered a diva-worthy performance of “Then Came You.” The Diva-Off continued with a stunning performance of “Alfie” by Cynthia Erivo, which drew an early standing ovation. Chloe Bailey and former honoree Gladys Knight rounded out their love for the singer with “Walk on By” and “I Say a Little Prayer,” respectively.
However, no tribute to Warwick would be complete without Ego Nwodim, who played Warwick on Saturday Night Live. She told USA TODAY about one of her favorite Warwick tweets: “They’re all so good. One of the first was, ‘If Chance the Rapper is so obviously a rapper, why does he have to have it in his name?’ So similar.”
“Life is better” because of Billy Crystal
Did you know that Billy Crystal, 75, came up with these unforgettable words from When Harry Met Sally? “I’ll Have What She’s Having” from the 1989 romantic comedy has resonated across generations – so much so that a key part of Crystal’s Kennedy Center Honors presentation took place at a makeshift Katz’s Delicatessen.
While co-star Meg Ryan couldn’t quite repeat her performance from the film, she did have some fun at Crystal’s expense.
“The scene came naturally to me, and I really have Billy to thank for that,” she said, immediately making the audience laugh. And as she joked again, she had never seen anyone make it easier to fake an orgasm.
THE MOST NECESSARY: “What Happens Later” star and director Meg Ryan shares her favorite romantic comedies
Then she got angry: “As his wife Janice has known for over 50 years, it’s pretty easy to fall in love with Billy.” (Awww.)
Jay Leno, Bob Costas, Whoopi Goldberg (who cheered on Robin Williams, the duo’s late “Comic Relief” partner), Lin-Manuel Miranda, Robert De Niro (who had trouble reading the teleprompter all night), and Rob Reiner also offered all kinds of warm words for a generous person.
“My life is better because Billy Crystal was there,” Reiner said. “I love you, Bill.”
Queen Latifah: “One of the best rappers of all time”
Maybe you know her from “Chicago”. Or “The Equalizer.” Or “Last Holiday” (for the record, she told USA TODAY on the red carpet that she “would love to do a sequel to that 2006 romantic comedy”). But the evening was mostly about their wild, fearless hip-hop roots.
Queen Latifah, 53, is the first female rapper to be named a Kennedy Center Honoree – just in time considering this year marks hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. From MC Lyte to Rapsody, everyone has kissed the queen’s ring, so to speak, including adorable 5-year-old rapper Van Van. “Thank you for being an inspiration,” she said in the sweetest voice imaginable for someone waking up after going to sleep. “We greet you.”
“She started out as a rapper, as a host, when success was an anomaly because the genre was overwhelmingly male,” said her friend and actress Kerry Washington. “But she continued to dominate and became one of the best rappers of all time, male or female.”
The audience couldn’t help but wave their arms to her hit “UNITY” – but it was Missy Elliott’s speech that made Queen Latifah’s impact clear. In her eyes, Queen Latifah’s “Queen” nickname sent a message: “I’m not going to set the bar. I am the benchmark.”
An electrifying, powerful cover of the Clark Sisters’ “I Know Where I’ve Been” concluded the segment, ending on a high note (literally) before a brief pause.
“The rapper is different than everyone else”: How Women Finally Gained Hip-Hop Respect
Renée Fleming: “Don’t accept your limits”
Renée Fleming and opera are practically synonymous. But her talents extend beyond opera to jazz, Broadway and even indie rock; She is also a prominent advocate for arts, health and neuroscience research.
The honorary performances reflected her vocal versatility, from the opera quartet “Song to the Moon (Rusalka)” to Dove Cameron’s “The Light in the Piazza” to “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with voices by Tituss Burgess and Christine Baranski .
As for advice for aspiring singers: “double major” because “it’s a very competitive major and it’s hard to get into,” she told USA TODAY on the red carpet. Also: “Don’t accept your limitations.” Work hard and master all your skills – and be prepared for years of training.
Ariana DeBose and Ben Platt sing for Barry Gibb
Who hasn’t Barry Gibb worked with? Dolly Parton, Barbra Streisand, Michael Bublé, co-winner Dionne Warwick – the list for the Bee Gees frontman goes on and on. His late brothers Robin and Maurice were not present, but the power of music is obviously eternal; The first notes of Little Big Town’s cover of “Lonely Days” quickly made that clear.
Bublé sang next with a haunting “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” followed by Ben Platt with a poignant “Nights on Broadway,” which showcased the showman’s dancing skills.
Ariana DeBose closed the show with a medley of disco hits – including “Stayin’ Alive” – which fittingly ended the evening with confetti.
Just as those tiny yellow pieces of paper will follow Washingtonians for days, so will the music and the memories. another Kennedy Center Honors. We toast this again with champagne.
THE MOST NECESSARY: “Wish” star Ariana DeBose shares her favorite Disney movies