Gloria Estefan, LL Cool J, And Lionel Richie Honored By Kennedy Center
For 40 years, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has honored outstanding individuals who made a significant contribution to American culture through the performing arts.
This year, the performing arts institute's showcase, the 40th Annual Kennedy Center Honors, honored five people who spent years at the forefront of dance, music, and television.
Singer-songwriters Gloria Estefan and Lionel Richie, actor-rapper LL Cool J, dancer and choreographer Carmen de Lavallade, and television writer and producer Norman Lear were the latest inductees into the performing arts organization.
Honoring The Queen of Latin Pop
With over 100 million records sold worldwide, Gloria Estefan has earned the title of Queen of Latin Pop. The recording artist's tribute featured 2015 Kennedy Center Honoree Rita Moreno, actress Eva Longoria, recording artist Becky G, who performed "Mi Tierra" with the Miami Sound Machine, and the cast of On Your Feet, who performed a medley of Estefan's songs.
"No one ever gave a song more emotional honesty than my Gloria Estefan," Longoria said as she talked about her friend.
The First Rapper
Actor-rapper LL Cool J made Kennedy Center Honors' history when he became the first person to be inducted for hip-hop and rap music. The experience profoundly humbled the NCIS: Los Angeles actor and Lip Sync Battle host.
"I've never been more inspired," said LL Cool J. "It is a reminder that art matters."
Several of LL Cool J's peers such as Queen Latifah, Busta Rhymes, and Run DMC's Darryl "DMC" McDaniels participated in the rapper's tribute that polarized audience members.
Music Legends Unite
Lionel Ritchie's tribute concluded the ceremony. Several recording industry giants united to either honor the veteran singer-songwriter or perform some of Ritchie's signature songs. 2001 Kennedy Center Honoree Quincy Jones reminisced about how Ritchie, Jones, and Michael Jackson wrote "We Are The World."
Ritchie's longtime friend, 1999 Kennedy Center Honoree Stevie Wonder, surprised the audience with his takes on "Hello" and "Easy."
TV Memories And Missing Trumps
The televised portion of the ceremony, which airs this year on CBS on Dec. 26, usually features powerful highlights including former President Obama getting emotional. Also, Aretha Franklin performed "(You've Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" at the 2015 ceremony.
The U.S. President and First Lady Melania Trump were notably absent from the festivities. The White House stated earlier in August that they would not attend the ceremony. The first couple hoped that the honorees could enjoy the Kennedy Center event without distraction.
Past Kennedy Center Honors recipients include Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Ray Charles, The Eagles, Billy Joel, and Oprah Winfrey.
