Queen Latifah, Dionne Warwick and Barry Gibb.Photo:MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty, Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty, Mike Marsland/WireImage
MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty, Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty, Mike Marsland/WireImage
The star-studded recipients of this year’sKennedy Center Honorshave been unveiled!
On Thursday, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced thatQueen Latifah,Barry Gibb,Dionne Warwick, Renée Fleming andBilly Crystalwill receive the 46th Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievements on Dec. 3.
“The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes artists who have made profound contributions to the cultural life of our nation,” wrote David M. Rubenstein, chairman of the Kennedy Center, in a press statement.
Robin, Barry and Maurice Gibb at the Grammys.Getty
Of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Bee Gees member, the chairman said, “Barry Gibb, along with his late brothers Robin and Maurice, set the music world on fire in the ‘60s and later defined the modern dance era with their trademark falsetto sound and groove style, becoming a pop superstar group for the ages.”
“This is a wonderful honor! It’s hard to be proud and humble at the same time. It is one of the most special moments in my life and something that I will always cherish,” wrote Gibb, 76, in a statement.
“When I think back over 50 years to our beginnings in Redcliffe, Queensland, I could never have expected this to happen in my life. Receiving the Kennedy Center Honors is something that everyone hopes might happen one day,” added the “Stayin' Alive” musician. “I’ve often thought about but never dreamed it could come true. Thank you to all those who made this dream a reality. I wish my brothers were here so that they could’ve shared in this special moment.”
Queen Latifah in May 2023.Daniele Venturelli/Getty
Daniele Venturelli/Getty
Rubenstein referred to Latifah, 53, “as the ‘First Lady of Hip Hop,’” noting that the Grammy- and Emmy-winning performer and actress “shaped and innovated the art form in its earliest days, representing black women everywhere and using the idiom to become a powerful voice for change.”
“To now be recognized amongst so many multi-hyphenates feels unbelievable, not for just me and my team, but for our community. The work the Kennedy Center does is immeasurable so I’m beyond grateful for this recognition,” she continued.
The “U.N.I.T.Y.” musician’s induction is especially fitting, as this year’s ceremony will also include a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the hip-hop genre. “Hip-hop has been an important, thriving art form here at the Center for a number of years,” said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter in a statement. “What a privilege it is to bestow an Honors to the First Lady of Hip Hop who has inspired us along the way.”
Dionne Warwick in May 2023.Santiago Felipe/Getty
Santiago Felipe/Getty
Rubenstein’s statement also included a note about the Grammy-winning “I Say a Little Prayer” singer: “Soulful songstress Dionne Warwick has blazed a trail with her signature voice, scintillating presence, and trove of hits that has become a soundtrack of inspiration for generations of artists and audiences.”
Renée Fleming in November 2022.John Lamparski/Getty
John Lamparski/Getty
Rubenstein wrote of Fleming, a five-time Grammy winner “known as ‘America’s soprano,'” that she’s “captivated audiences worldwide with her luminous voice, incomparable artistry, and a knack for bringing opera into the mainstream for more than four decades.”
Fleming, 64, said in a statement that it’s “thrilling” to be included in this year’s group: “This award demonstrates the richness and range of the performing arts in our country, and the Kennedy Center’s celebration is a powerful expression of our culture.”
The vocalist added, “Music has defined the arc of my life, giving voice to an introverted child, taking me to places I never dreamed of visiting and people I never dreamed of meeting. Most of all, it has shown me the enormous potential for healing and joy that the arts offer everyone. Having looked with awe at the Honorees in that box at the Kennedy Center Opera House, I’m incredibly grateful to think I will be among them.”
Billy Crystal in March 2022.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
Of Crystal, 75, an Emmy and Tony winner known for his roles inThe Princess Bride,When Harry Met Sally…andMonsters, Inc., among other projects, Rubenstein said: “A true comedic icon and multi-talented artist since the 1980s who has kept millions laughing around the world, Billy Crystal is responsible for some of the most memorable stand-up moments and hilarious Hollywood scenes in the last half-century.”
He continued, “It has been a thrilling lifetime of performing in so many different arenas and my heart is full of gratitude to the Kennedy Center, my wife Janice, my children and grandchildren, our family and friends, and all the amazing people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. And finally, of course, my wonderful fans.”
source: people.com
