46th Kennedy Center Honors Airs on CBS December 27, Celebrating Billy Crystal, Renée Fleming, Dionne Warwick, More

The 46th Annual Kennedy Center Honors airs December 27 at 9 PM ET on CBS. It will also stream on Paramount+.

Former Kennedy Center Honoree Gloria Estefan hosted the December 3 celebration, which was filmed for broadcast, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The five honorees who received the 46th Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievement are Tony-nominated actor and comedian Billy Crystal (Mr. Saturday Night); acclaimed soprano and Tony-nominated actor Renée Fleming (Carousel); British singer-songwriter, producer, and member of the Bee Gees, Barry Gibb (Saturday Night Fever); rapper, singer, and actor Queen Latifah; and Grammy-winning singer Dionne Warwick.

The 46th class of Kennedy Center Honorees were saluted by performers from New York, Hollywood, and the arts capitals of the world, including Tony winners Cynthia Erivo and Lin-Manuel Miranda, as well as Tituss Burgess and Sigourney Weaver. The event also honored the 50th anniversary of hip hop.

Get a sneak peek of the telecast by clicking here.

“The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes artists who have made profound contributions to the cultural life of our nation,” said Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein in an earlier statement. “A true comedic icon and multi-talented artist since the 1980s who has kept millions laughing around the world, Billy Crystal is responsible for some of the most memorable stand-up moments and hilarious Hollywood scenes in the last half-century; Barry Gibb, along with his late brothers Robin and Maurice, set the music world on fire in the ‘60s and later defined the modern dance era with their trademark falsetto sound and groove style, becoming a pop superstar group for the ages; fittingly known as ‘America’s soprano,’ the beloved opera star Renée Fleming has captivated audiences worldwide with her luminous voice, incomparable artistry, and a knack for bringing opera into the mainstream for more than four decades; as the ‘First Lady of Hip Hop,’ Queen Latifah shaped and innovated the art form in its earliest days, representing Black women everywhere and using the idiom to become a powerful voice for change; and soulful songstress Dionne Warwick has blazed a trail with her signature voice, scintillating presence, and trove of hits that has become a soundtrack of inspiration for generations of artists and audiences.”

“This year’s slate represents an extraordinary mix of individuals who have redefined their art forms and demonstrated remarkable tenacity and authenticity in becoming an original. Each of them has explored new terrain, stretched artistic boundaries, and most importantly, committed to sharing their gifts with the world,” added Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter. “This year we pay special tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip hop, a uniquely American culture whose constant evolution is one of enduring relevance and impact, reflecting our society as it has grown into an international phenomenon. Hip hop has been an important, thriving art form here at the Center for a number of years; what a privilege it is to bestow an Honors to the First Lady of Hip Hop who has inspired us along the way.”

The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes individuals whose unique contributions have had an impact on the rich tapestry of American life and culture through the performing arts, whether in music, dance, theatre, opera, motion pictures, or television.

Last year's honorees included the Irish rock band U2, which includes Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.; Grammy-winning soul, gospel, R&B, and pop icon Gladys Knight; actor and filmmaker George Clooney; contemporary Christian and pop singer-songwriter Amy Grant; and Cuban-born American composer, conductor, and educator Tania León.

The 46th Annual Kennedy Center Honors is produced by Done+Dusted in association with ROK Productions, represented by Elizabeth Kelly, who executive produced alongside David Jammy. The show is directed by Alex Rudzinski.