Queen Latifah, Dionne Warwick, Rene Fleming, Barry Gibb and Billy Crystal Lauded by Kennedy Center for Contributions to American Culture
variety.comPaul 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.
Read more on variety.com
