Art brings us joy. It makes us think. And it inspires us to create and live life in a way that reflects beauty.
And that’s why the Kenndy Center Honors have been celebrating artists for more than 40 years.
Each year they honor artists who’ve made great contributions to the world of art.
“Throughout its 40-year history, the Kennedy Center Honors has redefined America’s perception of its artistic legacy and reinvented the way this nation rewards its artistsm,” the Kennedy Center Honors’ website states. “At the same time, the annual addition of new names to the roster of Honors recipients charts the international standard of excellence set by America’s artists, as well as the aesthetic inspiration provided by artists of other nations who have achieved prominence on these shores.”
They liken their award to knighthood in Britain or the French Legion of Honor.
“The annual Honors gala is an evening without categories, without disappointments, and without competition. And the Honors telecast, aired during the week between Christmas and New Year’s, is a perennial Emmy nominee. It serves for millions of American arts lovers as the year’s crowning event, paying tribute to our nation’s preeminent artists with performances by the great stars of today who have followed in their footsteps,” the website says.
Singer/actress Cher, c0mposer and piantist Philip Glass, Country music entertainer Reba McEntire, and jazz saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter were honored at the 41st annual Kennedy Center Honors.
Hamilton co-creators Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, Andy Blankenbuehler, and Alex Lacamoire also received special honors for groundbreaking work.
“The world looks to America for its creative instincts and artistic courage,” said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter. “This year’s slate of Honorees represents the pinnacle of our nation’s originality and the rich mosaic of diverse perspectives and art forms that has come to define who we are as a people.”
Each year the guest performers are kept secret until the show is in progress that way both the honorees and everyone else watching are kept on the edge of their seats.
Adam Lambert was chosen to pay tribute to Cher with a rendition of her iconic hit “Believe.”
“Believe” was recorded for Cher’s 22nd album of the same title that was released in 1988.
But Lambert’s rendition was so beautiful that it brought Cher to tears. You can hear his beautiful version of “Believe” below.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
