The 46th Annual Kennedy Center Honors Airs on CBS, Paramount+

The 46th Annual Kennedy Center Honors will honor Billy Crystal, Renée Fleming, Barry Gibb, Queen Latifah, and Dionne Warwick tonight on CBS.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced this year’s honorees in June on CBS Mornings. Former Kennedy Center Honoree (2017) Gloria Estefan returns as host, marking her third time hosting the special. The special is produced by Done+Dusted in association with ROK Productions, represented by Elizabeth Kelly, who will executive produce alongside David Jammy. Alex Rudzinski handles directing duties.

The annual Honors Gala is a highlight of the Washington cultural and society calendar. This year, the star-studded celebration took place December 3 on the Kennedy Center Opera House stage with this year’s 46th class of Kennedy Center honorees being saluted by friends and fans alike in tribute. As usual, the honorees were seated in the Box Tier as they accepted the recognition and gratitude of their peers through performances and tributes. The Gala was followed by a dinner in the Grand Foyer.

Who gets honored and how?

The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes and celebrates individuals whose unique contributions have shaped the way we see ourselves, each other and our world. Recipients have each had an impact on the rich tapestry of American life and culture through the performing arts. Whether in music, dance, theater, opera, motion pictures or television, each Kennedy Center Honoree has a unique place in the national consciousness and their influence has inspired audiences from all walks of life.

Each year, Honorees are confirmed by the executive committee of the Center’s board of trustees. The Honors are not designated by art form or category of artistic achievement; over the years, the selection process has produced balance among the various arts and artistic disciplines.

Tonight’s Lineup

Show Open: Gloria Estefan (performs “Conga” and “Get on Your Feet” with Sheila E.)

HONOREE:

Dionne Warwick

FORMER HONOREE PRESENTER:

Herbie Hancock

LEAD STORYTELLERS:

Debbie Allen

PRESENTERS:

• Ego Nwodim
• Clive Davis

TRIBUTE PERFORMERS:

• Mickey Guyton and The Spinners (perform “Then Came You”)
• Cynthia Erivo (performs “Alfie”)
• Chloe Bailey (performs “Walk on By”)
• Gladys Knight (performs “Say a Little Prayer”)

HONOREE:

Billy Crystal

LEAD STORYTELLER:

Rob Reiner

PRESENTERS:

• Rob Reiner
• Jay Leno
• Meg Ryan
• Whoopi Goldberg
• Robert De Niro
• Bob Costas

TRIBUTE PERFORMER:

• Lin-Manuel Miranda and Marc Shaiman (perform Billy medley)
• Robert De Niro, Marc Shaiman and Lin-Manuel Miranda (perform “It Had to Be You”)

HONOREE:

Queen Latifah

FORMER HONOREE PRESENTER:

Rita Moreno

LEAD STORYTELLER:

Kerry Washington

PRESENTERS:

• Van Van
• Missy Elliott
• Kerry Washington

TRIBUTE PERFORMERS:

• Yo-Yo, D-Nice, and RM Band (perform “Latifah’s Had It Up to Here”)
• MC Lyte, Monie Love and D-Nice (perform “Ladies First”)
• MC Lyte, Monie Love, Yo-Yo, Van Van and D-Nice (perform “U.N.I.T.Y ”)
• Rapsody (performs “Just Another Day”)
• The Clark Sisters (perform “You Brought the Sunshine,” “Winki’s Theme,” “I Know Where I’ve Been”)

HONOREE:

Renée Fleming

FORMER HONOREE PRESENTER:

Robert De Niro

LEAD STORYTELLER:

Christine Baranski

PRESENTERS:

• Sigourney Weaver
• Tituss Burgess

TRIBUTE PERFORMERS:

• Julia Bullock, Ailyn Pérez, Angel Blue, Nadine Sierra (perform “Song to the Moon” with Patrick Summers)
• Dove Cameron (performs “The Light in the Piazza” with Patrick Vaccariello)
• Tituss Burgess, Susan Graham, Christine Baranski, Rev. Stef & Jubilation Choir (perform “You’ll Never Walk Alone”)

HONOREE:

Barry Gibb

FORMER HONOREE PRESENTER:

Amy Grant

LEAD STORYTELLER:

Gloria Estefan

PRESENTERS:

Stephen Gibb

TRIBUTE PERFORMERS:

• Little Big Town (performs “Lonely Days”)
• Michael Bublé (performs “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”)
• Ben Platt (performs “Nights on Broadway” with Wayne Linsey)
• Ariana DeBose (performs disco medley of “How Deep Is Your Love,” “Night Fever,” “Stayin’ Alive,” “You Should Be Dancin’” with Chloe Flower)

The 46th Annual Kennedy Center Honors will air December 27, 2023 (8:00-10:30 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs.

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