Kennedy Centre Prize: to whom it is awarded and for what merit, best speeches

Kennedy Centre Prize - A prestigious annual award that honours performers for their contribution to cultural development of the United States. The history of the award dates back to the sunset 70-хwhen the first ceremony was held. The event usually concludes with a gala concert at the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C., in the presence of the President of the United States. Throughout its history. "Kennedy Centre Honors" has hosted a host of top-notch performers. Today we take a look at some of the best performances at the awards.

A bit of history

This award was founded by the American film director George Stevens, Jr. and a dancer Nick Vanoff. The first gala concert was held at 1978-мand the first presenter was the composer Leonard Bernstein. He was succeeded a year later Erik Sevareidfollowed by an opera singer. Beverly Sills. From 1981 to 2002, guests were hosted Walter Cronkitewhose post was taken over Caroline Kennedy - she was a presenter from 2003 to 2012. In 2018 and in 2021, this honourable position went to a singer of Cuban origin Gloria Estefan.

A curious feature "Kennedy Centre Honors" is that the show is not broadcast live. Except for some sites with private access. As a rule, a two-hour edited version of the show is aired - this is done as part of the CBS after Christmas.

How the selection process works

To select applicants for the prize "Kennedy Centre Honors" A special committee has been set up, comprising several members of the Board of Trustees as well as past winners and outstanding artists. Nominees are chosen on the basis of their achievements in music and other arts. Elections usually take place between mid-summer and early autumn.

Best Performances

Having familiarised myself with the history "Kennedy Centre Honors"We would like to recall the most striking and memorable performances at the awards.

2012 was remembered for a heartfelt performance by the American-Canadian rock band "Heart."who sang the famous hit "Stairway to Heaven" British rockers "Led Zeppelin.". There is real magic on stage, and tears came to the eyes of the Zeppelin members. This is one of the most touching and at the same time the most dynamic performances in the history of the award! Goosebumps go all over your body while watching it. You can feel that more than one soul was put into this little show.

The most memorable performance 2013 was an entire mini-show dedicated to the iconic guitar virtuoso Carlos Santana. Various artists performed legendary works such as "Black Magic Woman," "Oye Como Va," Buddy Guy's "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man."as well as "Everybody's Everything". By all appearances, Santana was pleased with the evening!

В 2014 on the Kennedy Center Honors stage. Bruno Mars. The Hawaiian musician performed "So Lonely" и "Message In a Bottle" - band hits "The Police". The fact is that in 2014 Sting was awarded the Kennedy Centre Prize for his contributions to American culture.

2014 was also remembered by Kennedy Centre Honors guests for a performance by the charming Jennifer Hudson. The singer performed "Simply Beautiful."thereby honouring To Elu Green.who wrote the song back in 1972. Hudson literally tore the souls of the audience into a million little shards, putting incredible energy into her performance.

A particularly outstanding performance was made by 2015. That's when she took the stage Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul performed "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman."paying tribute Carole King and brought Barack Obama to tears. King cried and admired Aretha's performance at the same time.

В 2019 one of the highlights "Kennedy Centre Honors" was the performance Ne-Yo. Winner of three Grammy Awards, the singer gave the audience real magic by performing two gorgeous compositions: "Shining Star." и "Sing a Song.". As always, it was not without tears. Although it is impossible to do otherwise in art, especially in music: in fact, during his performance, the artist exposes his soul in front of thousands of people....

Also performing on stage in 2019 was. John Legend - a popular American singer performed a heartfelt song "Can't Hide Love".

Speeches Ne-Yo и John Legend were part of a tribute "Earth, Wind & Fire" - American band that played in the genres of rhythm and blues, soul, funk, jazz, disco, and rock. The band was founded in 1969 in Chicago. The most interesting thing is that it still exists today! It's fascinating to see how people dedicated to creativity make it through the decades and stay true to their passion!