President Trump presented the Kennedy Center Award to the 2025 recipients from the Oval Office. The awards were presented to George Strait: Renowned country music star known as the “King of Country,” with over 60 number one hits and 120 million records sold. Michael Crawford: Actor and singer famous for his role as the Phantom in “The Phantom of the Opera.” Sylvester Stallone: Iconic actor known for his roles in the “Rocky” series and other major films. Gloria Gaynor: Celebrated singer best known for her anthem “I Will Survive.” and KISS: Legendary rock band known for their theatrical performances and iconic music.
The President placed around each honoree’s neck a new medal that was designed, created and donated by jeweler Tiffany & Co., according to the Kennedy Center and President Trump.
It’s a gold disc, etched on one side with the Kennedy Center’s image. The honoree’s name appears on the reverse side, with the date of the ceremony. The medallion hangs from a navy blue ribbon and replaces a large rainbow ribbon decorated with three gold plates that rested on the honoree’s shoulders and chest. WATCH:
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All of them clean up nice (-:
Screw Kiss. I used to be a big fan until Paul and Gene forced everyone in their orbit to take the Covid vaxx, and thus very likely caused the death of a long time close business associate. Too much pomp and circumstance, and not enough arrests of the criminals. Tired of the performance overall.
Thank you for saying this…I feel like we have never ending “Let them eat cake” moments now with this administration…I am sure I will get clobbered for this comment….between the candlelit black tie dinners with tech bros and Great Gatsby parties at mara largo, the American public are now more clearly seeing the Oligarchy separation more and more clear….to me SD’s picture is becoming more and more clear…
Yes, he got rid of the rainbow ribbon.
Before Michael Crawford was famous for his role in Phantom of the Opera, we in Blighty knew him as the gormless, thick but well meaning Frank Spencer in a sitcom “Some Mothers Do ‘Ave Em”.
It was impossible for me, having rolled on the floor watching poor Frank getting himself into all sorts of trouble, ever visualizing him as the Phantom.
He was very athletic in his younger days…
Glad to see him honoured…
Just a taste of his antics.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mNYIHFLXn08
Cornelius Hackl👍
Crawford also played “Hero” in the great film ” A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum”
with Zero Mostel and Phil Silvers.
He kind of held back on his singing in the role, for comic purposes. But it wasn’t hard to tell he really
had a terrific voice, given the chance.
Drinking takes allot of your time . I can imagine a party tonight with all them ! After I woke up and made breakfast and felt like crap ,Don would have already working 4 hours on other major deals . He was on Oprah in the 90’s he’s still saying the same dam thing. “ you got something there “ said a builder.
Not off topic : it’s a praise for our President who is Rockin badass like all them.
Great ceremony! This has to have the Hollywood leftists cringing
Classic Trump – a group of misfits and yet everyone of them wove a moment, if not many into the American heart.
Even Kiss.
Growing up is hard.
They helped.
The others are just frigg’in legends.
God bless Trump.
Too bad they can’t weave Comey into jail.
Be patient grasshopper.
Excellent and well-deserved choices.
The only omission that I might see is: “Alice Cooper®” (Vincent Furnier), who was the acknowledged (by KISS® …) originator of the idea of: “rock music as a [shocking …] theatrical performance, played by [shocking …] fictional character(s).”
This concept had never been thought of, let alone pursued by, anyone. Before they did it. And of course, today, both are still doing it, each in their now very distinctive way.
(P.S.: “Alice’s” current tour is a stunning “guitar tour de force.” Do not miss it. Nevermind the guillotines … remember, “Alice” does not play an instrument.)
Agreed Mike – he would’ve been a great choice… maybe next year.
Alice Cooper lives in Phoenix and does a classic rock+ radio show I like – always entertaining
{ Radio Show }his website has a TOUR page
{ Alice’s Attic | Alice Cooper }
He has an art & music academy for young people, and runs a charity that funds his Solid Rock Youth Center.
Coming up next week. is their big deal (23rd) annual fundraiser…
{ https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/alice-coopers-2025-christmas-pudding-lineup-and-past-years-photos-40620419/ }
I like the guy (Vincent Furnier) – not so much the genre but I do also respect him enormously for creating a whole new genre.
He’s a True Artist & does a lot of good works.
I think David Bowie might have been the first to go theatrical. He had several personas and was the first to use a boom crane in his act.
David was not “shock rock.” He, too, was an actor – and a very good one. Several early performers were looking for ways to cross live music with theater.
Yes, Alice lives in Phoenix, and I coincidentally attended his baptism. (As a Christian, he’s the real deal.) But, if you can, you should not miss this year’s show. He has assembled a cast of truly stunning male and female guitar players, and he lets them run with it even as he does all the usual Alice tricks that you’ve come to expect. Including a brief appearance by the world’s most pampered python . . . 🐍
Does the Who’s Tommy fit in anywhere here?
That was fun to watch.
Yes it was for me as well. I don’t own an LP from Kiss, so I might dare one song before lights out.
Please tell me the taxpayer did not pay for this? These people are beyond rich and don’t deserve more pomp and ceremony, including gold. Stuff like this is a waste of our hard earned money! Sorry to be the pessimist but DOGE it!
You must not have read the article. Tiffany’s donated the hardware not the taxpayer…. Good day!
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been running a long time now . . .
A line-up of has beens. Who cares .. I’ll bet most Gen Z doesn’t.. This reaks of ‘Oh look -$quirrel!’
You sound nice, but anyway…..
you are correct. and to that point, nor will generations remember even one single performance artists of it’s time. it will be just a rumour of a time when young people turned their minds to pornography, and stopped singing and laughing.
fortunately, that same generations is welded to the idea that they will not procreate.
I encourage this, regularly. let your unworthy, nihillist seed go unmatched. it seeks ruin, and ruin it will accomplish.
God Bless America
God Bless America
You should read the Daily thread here for some inspiration daily. Seems you need some.
George Strait – The Road Less Traveled
appreciating the arts and music so they say is a sign of intelligence.
KISS being honored in any way, is a sign that maybe we should revisit that assumption.
I get it KISS. Gene Simmons….yes without KISS that one very distinct year, RUSH was given a chance.
so maybe that’s how we have to look at some of these “rewards”. a token of appreciation, because far more powerful talent happened and you might have been involved at least in the business transactions to make that happen.
gene Simmons. the kind of performer ordinarily only referred to by circus barkers.
Michael Crawford, like President Trump, is an absolute legend. He can bring you to tears with his comedy or his amazing voice. President Trump’s praise is so well-deserved. Michael looks absolutely thrilled to be there, and I love the way President Trump grabs his hand at the end; the feeling is clearly mutual!
In honor of the holiday season, here is Mr. Crawford’s incredible rendition of “O Holy Night.”
Thank you for sharing…beautiful!
Gene Simmons? Really? Simmons advocated for “jail anyone who won’t get a covid vaccine” . I can’t believe he was allowed in the WH, much less awarded anything.
Well, he is the “god of thunder.” Lol.