Queen Latifah, Dionne Warwick, Rene Fleming, Barry Gibb and Billy Crystal Lauded by Kennedy Center for Contributions to American Culture
04.12.2023 - 20:45
/ variety.com
Paul Harris WASHINGTON — The Kennedy Center Honors was a decidedly tuneful affair, with musical talents representing four of its five recipients – vocalists and/or songwriters Dionne Warwick, Renee Fleming, Queen Latifah and Barry Gibb — along with actor/comedian/filmmaker Billy Crystal. The program, in its 46th year, followed the traditional format that showcases tributes to each honoree by artists and celebs whose identities are undisclosed in advance. It kicked off with a lively parade of dancers down the aisles, led by emcee and former honoree Gloria Estefan and accompanied by Sheila E on drums—a first for the event.
Produced again by Done and Dusted Inc., it will air Dec. 27 on CBS. Omitted this year was one familiar staple at the event – the inclusion of brief video biographies of each honoree that emphasized their childhoods and routes to success.
Instead, minimal use of videos embellished career highlights. The tribute to Warwick led off the proceedings before a packed audience that included President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden, as well as several members of the U.S.
Supreme Court and Congress. Former honoree Herbie Hancock introduced the segment. Past honoree Debbie Allen then introduced an array of artists to comment and perform Warwick staples—Mickey Guyton and The Spinners (“Then Came You”), Cynthia Erivo (“Alfie”), Chloe Bailey (“Walk on By”) and Gladys Knight (“Say a Little Prayer”).
Producer Clive Davis offered insights into Warwick’s connection with Burt Bacharach and Hal David, as well as his own interactions with the artist. Actress/singer Ego Nwodim also joined the toast. Next up was the salute to comedian Crystal, supported by another cadre of celebs beginning with Estefan, who noted the
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