Washington, D.C. — To the delight of a standing-room-only audience that included the First Family, the Kennedy Center Honors paid hearty tribute on Sunday night to actor-singer Bette Midler, opera bass-baritone Justino Diaz, Motown founder Berry Gordy, “Saturday Night Live” honcho Lorne Michaels and singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell.
The event, last staged before a live audience in pre-covid 2020, had been conspicuously ignored by former President Donald Trump following criticism from two honorees in 2017. By contrast, President Joe Biden happily reinstated the tradition of hosting honorees at the White House before attending the production. He and First Lady Jill Biden were joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and husband Douglas Emhoff.
The wait by audiences was fully rewarded as the 44-year-old Honors program delivered a seemingly nonstop parade of A-list participants offering heartfelt tributes and rousing entertainment for the honorees gazing down from the president’s box. The show will air Dec.
The event, last staged before a live audience in pre-covid 2020, had been conspicuously ignored by former President Donald Trump following criticism from two honorees in 2017. By contrast, President Joe Biden happily reinstated the tradition of hosting honorees at the White House before attending the production. He and First Lady Jill Biden were joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and husband Douglas Emhoff.
The wait by audiences was fully rewarded as the 44-year-old Honors program delivered a seemingly nonstop parade of A-list participants offering heartfelt tributes and rousing entertainment for the honorees gazing down from the president’s box. The show will air Dec.
- 12/6/2021
- by Paul Harris
- Variety Film + TV
The 2021 Kennedy Center Honors returned to their traditional home and December slot on Sunday night in Washington, D.C. The honorees for the 44th annual event celebrating the arts were Justino Diaz, Berry Gordy, Lorne Michaels, Bette Midler and Joni Mitchell. After four years of no presidential involvement, President Joe Biden was seated with the honorees in the balcony box. The ceremony will be broadcast by CBS on Wednesday, December 22.
SEEKennedy Center Honors: 50 entertainers who deserve to be selected
Here is the complete list of performers and presenters to be seen on the two-hour program hosted by previous Kch recipient David Letterman. Past honoree Yo-Yo Ma opened the program with “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Producers might alter the order as presented to the in-person audience.
Joni Mitchell (singer and songwriter):
Presenters are Cameron Crowe, Dan Levy
“Case of You” and medley performed by Norah Jones
“Big Yellow Taxi” performed by...
SEEKennedy Center Honors: 50 entertainers who deserve to be selected
Here is the complete list of performers and presenters to be seen on the two-hour program hosted by previous Kch recipient David Letterman. Past honoree Yo-Yo Ma opened the program with “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Producers might alter the order as presented to the in-person audience.
Joni Mitchell (singer and songwriter):
Presenters are Cameron Crowe, Dan Levy
“Case of You” and medley performed by Norah Jones
“Big Yellow Taxi” performed by...
- 12/6/2021
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
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