Must-See Moments From the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors

​Michael Crawford saluted by Kelsey Grammer and Broadway’s best

​After Trump introduced Crawford as a “once-in-a-generation talent with an unbelievable voice, who defined a role that will live forever in Broadway history, and, frankly, in musical history," actor Kelsey Grammer, 70, appeared onstage singing, “Hello, Michael!” to the tune of “Hello, Dolly!” (Crawford is well-known for playing naive clerk Cornelius Hackl in the 1969 movie version of the famed Broadway musical, as well as his Tony Award–winning starring role in the stage production of The Phantom of the Opera.) Grammer spoke of Crawford’s “sheer commitment to excellence” and how he has “inspired generations of performers.” In a powerful performance amplified by dramatic red lighting, singers David Phelps and Laura Osnes performed the title song from Phantom.

Miranda Lambert performs at the 48th Annual Kennedy Center Honors.

Mary Kouw/CBS

​George Strait gets starriest salute

George Strait is “just incredible.," said the president in his introduction. “George never chased the spotlight; the spotlight chased him.” Vince Gill, 68, appeared onstage and said that “with George, what you see is what you get.” The country music community showed up for Strait in perhaps the segment of the evening with the biggest star power: Brooks & Dunn performed Strait’s signature hit “Amarillo by Morning,” Miranda Lambert belted out “Run” and Gill sang “Troubadour.”

Debbie Winans performs at the 48th Annual Kennedy Center Honors.

Mary Kouw/CBS

​Gloria Gaynor’s music lights up the night

​Of disco queen Gaynor, Trump noted “we will always find inspiration in her three simple words: I will survive.” Singer Elle King said Gaynor’s voice is one “that transcends more than just words … turns pain into power. She is herself, and nothing connects to an audience more than authenticity and truth.” King went on perform Gaynor’s hit anthem, “I Will Survive,” under a giant disco ball with gold-lame-clad backup dancers. Social media influencer and singer Montana Tucker called Gaynor a “musical culture shifter who took the mantle and had your finger on the nerve of an entire genre;” Deniece Williams, 75, sang a medley, and Jason Crabb, Chris Blue and Debbie Winans performed songs from Gaynor’s gospel album.

​Kiss brings everyone to their feet in finale

​As is customary to save the biggest musical group for a splashy grand finale, the evening culminated with the tribute to rock band Kiss. Trump's introduction to the band said they “pushed the boundaries of rock ’n’ roll with spectacular, full-scale productions, elaborate costumes, extensive makeup and explosive pyrotechnics.” He added, “Congratulations to a great rock ’n’ roll institution.”

​Garth Brooks, 63, sporting his traditional honoree rainbow medallion, which he received in 2021, said how the music of Kiss was “speaking to the youth of the world.” He performed the band’s classic hit “Shout It Out Loud” and encouraged everyone to get on their feet. Magician Criss Angel said the band’s “profound effect on pop culture has stood the test of time.… (They) revolutionized rock music as we know it.” Angel said that when he was young,  the group inspired him to “dare to be different.… The magic of Kiss is the magic of love.” The band and its music “made me feel that anything is possible.” And in a somber moment, original lead guitarist Ace Frehley, who died in October after he was injured during a fall, was remembered with a single red guitar emanating smoke in the center of the stage (Frehley was known for having a guitar with smoking special effects). Marcus King performed “Beth,” and Cheap Trick ended the night with a rousing performance of “Rock and Roll All Nite" that brought the audience to their feet, while dancers with Kiss-esque painted faces danced and shook their long hair in the aisles for the grand finale.