KISS to Receive Kennedy Center Honors in 2025
Washington, D.C. — In a dramatic move that signals a new era for one of America’s premier arts institutions, President Donald Trump—now serving as chairman of the Kennedy Center—announced that the iconic glam-metal band KISS will be among the recipients of the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors. The ceremony, which recognizes lifetime achievements in the performing arts, will take place in December and, in a break with tradition, will be hosted by the President himself.
A Politicized Turn at the Kennedy Center
Trump’s announcement, made during a press event at the Kennedy Center on August 13, 2025, comes amid sweeping changes he has instituted at the institution. Since assuming the chairmanship, he has reshaped the board, removed trustees appointed during the Biden administration, and installed loyalists in leadership positions. These changes have stirred controversy within the arts community, drawing protests and programming cancellations, including by LGBTQ+ artists and productions such as Hamilton.
KISS Honored Alongside Cultural Icons
KISS joins a diverse and celebrated roster of honorees that includes:
-
George Strait, the “King of Country Music” and one of the genre’s most successful artists
-
Sylvester Stallone, iconic actor known for his portrayal of Rocky and Rambo
-
Michael Crawford, esteemed English stage actor famed for The Phantom of the Opera
-
Gloria Gaynor, disco legend best known for her anthem “I Will Survive”, which holds significant cultural meaning within the LGBTQ+ community
KISS, known for their theatrical performances, face paint, and electrifying stage presence, are now being formally recognized for their enduring influence on American music and pop culture.
The Ceremony—Trump Takes the Helm
In an unprecedented decision, President Trump confirmed that he will personally host the ceremony—marking the first time a sitting president has taken that role. The event is scheduled for December 8, 2025, and will be broadcast by CBS. Trump also signaled his intent to embark on a major renovation of the Kennedy Center, aiming to restore its perceived grandeur in alignment with America's upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations.
A Controversial Legacy
This iteration of the Kennedy Center Honors will likely go down in history as one of the most politically charged, as it reflects the intersection of culture and ideology under Trump’s stewardship of the institution. The inclusion of KISS—along with artists whose work spans distinct genres and generations—highlights both the diversity of artistic achievement and the deep partisan debates now impacting the traditionally apolitical nature of the Honors.
Key Takeaways
-
ew.com | Trump announces George Strait, KISS, Sylvester Stallone, and more as 2025 Kennedy Center honorees
-
pitchfork.com | Gloria Gaynor, KISS, and George Strait Get First Kennedy Center Honors Since Trump Takeover
-
www.washingtonpost.com | Trump to host Kennedy Center Honors, which will go to Stallone, Gaynor, KISS and more
Related Stories
Sting Announces Massive 2026 “Sting 3.0” World Tour , Full Calendar of 90+ Shows Revealed
Sting’s 2026 “Sting 3.0” world tour features 90+ dates across Europe, Australia, and North America , including residencies at the Met Opera and Brooklyn Paramount. See the full calendar and get ticket details.
Britney Spears Arrested on Suspicion of DUI in Ventura County, Court Date Set for May 4
Britney Spears was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence Wednesday night in Ventura County, California, according to multiple outlets including *Variety*, the *Los Angeles Times* and *The Guardian*. The California Highway Patrol stopped Spears at approximately 9:30 p.m. local time near Westlake Village, according to reports from *Variety* and the *Los Angeles Times*.…
Mick Jagger Shares Egypt Pyramid Photos as Rolling Stones Enter Their Next Offstage Chapter
Mick Jagger shared new Egypt photos featuring the pyramids, a personal post that quickly became a rock-news flashpoint as the Stones remain in the Hackney Diamonds era.
Paul McCartney Pays Tribute to Quarrymen Bandmate Len Garry, Dead at 84
Sir Paul McCartney has paid tribute to Len Garry, an original member of the Quarrymen who played alongside McCartney and John Lennon before the band evolved into the Beatles. Garry died on March 2, 2026, at the age of 84.
Billy Idol Details Near-Fatal 1984 Heroin Overdose, Says He Smoked Crack to Quit: ‘It Worked’
Billy Idol recounts a near-fatal 1984 heroin overdose and reveals he used crack cocaine to kick his habit in a candid interview on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast.
Sharon Osbourne Confirms Ozzfest Will ‘Absolutely’ Return in 2027
Sharon Osbourne confirmed at MIDEM 2026 in Cannes that Ozzfest will return in 2027, marking the festival’s first edition since 2018.
Billy Corgan Says Rock Was “Purposely Dialed Down” by the Music Industry
Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan claims rock music was deliberately sidelined by the industry beginning in the late 1990s, pointing to shifts at MTV and the genre’s continued dominance in ticket sales despite near-zero cultural representation.
Bruce Hornsby Reunites With Bonnie Raitt on New Single ‘Ecstatic,’ Announces 24-Date U.S. Tour
Bruce Hornsby enlists Bonnie Raitt for ‘Ecstatic,’ the second single from his forthcoming album ‘Indigo Park,’ due April 3. The three-time Grammy winner also announces a 24-date U.S. tour with The Noisemakers.
Metallica Add Six More Dates to ‘Life Burns Faster’ Sphere Residency, Extending Run Into 2027
Metallica has expanded their upcoming Sphere residency to 14 shows, adding six new dates in October, November, and January 2027 due to overwhelming demand.