President Donald J. Trump announced the recipients of the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors on Wednesday, naming singer Gloria Gaynor, country music star George Strait, rock band KISS, actor Michael Crawford, and actor Sylvester Stallone as this year’s honorees. The selection marks the first since Trump’s return to office and his appointment as chairman of the Kennedy Center.
In a departure from established tradition, the President, who said he was “98 percent” involved in the selections, announced that he will personally host the awards ceremony in December. He stated he “turned down plenty” of potential nominees, referring to some as “too woke.” The President has taken a direct role in the arts institution, overhauling its board with loyalists and vowing to “fully renovate” the center.
The honorees represent a range of performing arts. Gloria Gaynor, a two-time Grammy winner, is best known for her disco anthem “I Will Survive.” George Strait, referred to as the “King of Country Music,” has sold over 120 million records and has 60 number-one country singles. Rock band KISS, formed in 1973, has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and is known for its elaborate stage shows. Michael Crawford, a British actor, is celebrated for his Tony and Olivier Award-winning role as the original Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera. Sylvester Stallone is a Hollywood icon recognized for his roles in the Rocky and Rambo film franchises.
The ceremony will be the 48th annual event and is scheduled to be held in December 2025 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The event will be broadcast on CBS at a later date.