President Trump announces Kennedy Center honorees and says he will host ceremony

By Elizabeth Blair,

Leila Fadel

Published August 14, 2025 at 4:55 AM EDT

President Trump has announced the Kennedy Center honorees. They are Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, Michael Crawford and the band KISS. Trump said he will also host the ceremony.

Elizabeth Blair

Elizabeth Blair is a Peabody Award-winning senior producer/reporter on the Arts Desk of NPR News.

See stories by Elizabeth Blair

Leila Fadel

Leila Fadel is a national correspondent for NPR based in Los Angeles, covering issues of culture, diversity, and race.

See stories by Leila Fadel

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