Latest news with #JohnFKennedyCenterforthePerformingArts
India Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Trump to host Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, Sylvester Stallone among honorees
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he will host this year's Kennedy Center Honors ceremony after announcing a lineup of honourees he helped who installed himself as chairman of the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in February, tapped country singer George Strait, action movie star Sylvester Stallone, and rock band KISS for one of the highest accolades in American Will Survive" singer Gloria Gaynor and English stage actor Michael Crawford will also be celebrated at the event in December. Trump said he rejected some candidates he considered "woke," using a term sometimes used as a pejorative for anyone who appears politically left-leaning on race, gender, and sexuality. Since returning to power in January, Trump has weighed in on issues big and small as he seeks to put his stamp on American culture and institutions to align them closer with his Republican president said he reluctantly agreed to host the Kennedy Center Honors, which will air on CBS in December."I didn't want to do it. OK?" Trump said. "They're going to say, 'he insisted.' I did not insist. But I think it will be quite successful."The president also touted a renovation of the Kennedy Center in Washington, saying it was part of his effort to improve the nation's capital by taking over the police and redoing parks. Trump toured the center after his recently voted as part of a sweeping tax cut and spending bill to earmark USD 257 million for the building's renovation, conditional on the opera house being named after first lady Melania Representative Bob Onder in July introduced a bill that would rename the modernist building the Donald J. Trump Center for the Performing did not attend events at the Kennedy Center during his first term but has taken a keen interest in it during his second, vowing to overhaul an institution he and his supporters view as too appointed in February his former ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, to lead the visited the Kennedy Center in June for a performance of "Les Miserables," where he and his wife were met with boos and and subscription sales have fallen since Trump's conservative takeover of the venue, and some shows, including the hit "Hamilton," have canceled their his leadership, the center has sought to add conservative-leaning programming, including a show that Grenell has described as a celebration of the birth of Kennedy Center honorees have included Meryl Streep, Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Elton John. In recent years, the ceremony has been hosted by a comedian or actor.- EndsTune InMust Watch
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Trump names Strait, Stallone in Kennedy Center honours
Country musician George Strait, action movie star Sylvester Stallone and rock band Kiss will be celebrated with the 2025 Kennedy Center honours, one of the country's highest accolades in performing arts, US President Donald Trump has announced. English stage actor Michael Crawford, known for The Phantom of the Opera, and I Will Survive singer Gloria Gaynor will also be honoured at the event later this year. Trump said he was asked to host the event, which will air on CBS in December, and reluctantly accepted. "I didn't want to do it. OK?" Trump said. "They're going to say he insisted. I did not insist. But I think it will be quite successful." Trump arrived at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday to unveil its 2025 honorees for artistic excellence and tout a major renovation as lawmakers push to rename the venue for the Republican president. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump teased the announcement, saying, "GREAT Nominees for the TRUMP/KENNEDY CENTER, whoops, I mean, KENNEDY CENTER, AWARDS." Trump also hinted at a physical overhaul of the centre in Washington DC, saying he planned to restore it to the "absolutely top level of luxury, glamour, and entertainment". Trump on Wednesday said he will "fully renovate" the entire infrastructure of the Kennedy Center to make it a "crown jewel" of arts and culture in the United States. "We're going to bring it to a higher level than it ever hit," he said, adding the venue would be featured in next year's celebrations of the country's 250th anniversary. Since returning to power in January, Trump has sought to put his stamp on US culture and institutions to align them closer with his political and personal preferences. His administration has ordered a review of some Smithsonian museums and exhibitions to "remove divisive or partisan narratives". At the White House, Trump has added gold leaf to the Oval Office, paved over the Rose Garden and embarked on plans for a $US200-million ($A306 million) ballroom. Trump did not attend events at the Kennedy Center during his first term but has taken a keen interest in it during his second, vowing to overhaul an institution he and his "Make America Great Again" supporters view as too progressive. He pushed out its chairman in February and took on the role himself, fired its longtime president, and installed his former ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, as interim president. In a post on X, the Kennedy Center said its building - which opened in September 1971 - would undergo renovations thanks to Trump's advocacy aimed at restoring its "prestige and grandeur". with AP Country musician George Strait, action movie star Sylvester Stallone and rock band Kiss will be celebrated with the 2025 Kennedy Center honours, one of the country's highest accolades in performing arts, US President Donald Trump has announced. English stage actor Michael Crawford, known for The Phantom of the Opera, and I Will Survive singer Gloria Gaynor will also be honoured at the event later this year. Trump said he was asked to host the event, which will air on CBS in December, and reluctantly accepted. "I didn't want to do it. OK?" Trump said. "They're going to say he insisted. I did not insist. But I think it will be quite successful." Trump arrived at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday to unveil its 2025 honorees for artistic excellence and tout a major renovation as lawmakers push to rename the venue for the Republican president. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump teased the announcement, saying, "GREAT Nominees for the TRUMP/KENNEDY CENTER, whoops, I mean, KENNEDY CENTER, AWARDS." Trump also hinted at a physical overhaul of the centre in Washington DC, saying he planned to restore it to the "absolutely top level of luxury, glamour, and entertainment". Trump on Wednesday said he will "fully renovate" the entire infrastructure of the Kennedy Center to make it a "crown jewel" of arts and culture in the United States. "We're going to bring it to a higher level than it ever hit," he said, adding the venue would be featured in next year's celebrations of the country's 250th anniversary. Since returning to power in January, Trump has sought to put his stamp on US culture and institutions to align them closer with his political and personal preferences. His administration has ordered a review of some Smithsonian museums and exhibitions to "remove divisive or partisan narratives". At the White House, Trump has added gold leaf to the Oval Office, paved over the Rose Garden and embarked on plans for a $US200-million ($A306 million) ballroom. Trump did not attend events at the Kennedy Center during his first term but has taken a keen interest in it during his second, vowing to overhaul an institution he and his "Make America Great Again" supporters view as too progressive. He pushed out its chairman in February and took on the role himself, fired its longtime president, and installed his former ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, as interim president. In a post on X, the Kennedy Center said its building - which opened in September 1971 - would undergo renovations thanks to Trump's advocacy aimed at restoring its "prestige and grandeur". with AP Country musician George Strait, action movie star Sylvester Stallone and rock band Kiss will be celebrated with the 2025 Kennedy Center honours, one of the country's highest accolades in performing arts, US President Donald Trump has announced. English stage actor Michael Crawford, known for The Phantom of the Opera, and I Will Survive singer Gloria Gaynor will also be honoured at the event later this year. Trump said he was asked to host the event, which will air on CBS in December, and reluctantly accepted. "I didn't want to do it. OK?" Trump said. "They're going to say he insisted. I did not insist. But I think it will be quite successful." Trump arrived at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday to unveil its 2025 honorees for artistic excellence and tout a major renovation as lawmakers push to rename the venue for the Republican president. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump teased the announcement, saying, "GREAT Nominees for the TRUMP/KENNEDY CENTER, whoops, I mean, KENNEDY CENTER, AWARDS." Trump also hinted at a physical overhaul of the centre in Washington DC, saying he planned to restore it to the "absolutely top level of luxury, glamour, and entertainment". Trump on Wednesday said he will "fully renovate" the entire infrastructure of the Kennedy Center to make it a "crown jewel" of arts and culture in the United States. "We're going to bring it to a higher level than it ever hit," he said, adding the venue would be featured in next year's celebrations of the country's 250th anniversary. Since returning to power in January, Trump has sought to put his stamp on US culture and institutions to align them closer with his political and personal preferences. His administration has ordered a review of some Smithsonian museums and exhibitions to "remove divisive or partisan narratives". At the White House, Trump has added gold leaf to the Oval Office, paved over the Rose Garden and embarked on plans for a $US200-million ($A306 million) ballroom. Trump did not attend events at the Kennedy Center during his first term but has taken a keen interest in it during his second, vowing to overhaul an institution he and his "Make America Great Again" supporters view as too progressive. He pushed out its chairman in February and took on the role himself, fired its longtime president, and installed his former ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, as interim president. In a post on X, the Kennedy Center said its building - which opened in September 1971 - would undergo renovations thanks to Trump's advocacy aimed at restoring its "prestige and grandeur". with AP Country musician George Strait, action movie star Sylvester Stallone and rock band Kiss will be celebrated with the 2025 Kennedy Center honours, one of the country's highest accolades in performing arts, US President Donald Trump has announced. English stage actor Michael Crawford, known for The Phantom of the Opera, and I Will Survive singer Gloria Gaynor will also be honoured at the event later this year. Trump said he was asked to host the event, which will air on CBS in December, and reluctantly accepted. "I didn't want to do it. OK?" Trump said. "They're going to say he insisted. I did not insist. But I think it will be quite successful." Trump arrived at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday to unveil its 2025 honorees for artistic excellence and tout a major renovation as lawmakers push to rename the venue for the Republican president. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump teased the announcement, saying, "GREAT Nominees for the TRUMP/KENNEDY CENTER, whoops, I mean, KENNEDY CENTER, AWARDS." Trump also hinted at a physical overhaul of the centre in Washington DC, saying he planned to restore it to the "absolutely top level of luxury, glamour, and entertainment". Trump on Wednesday said he will "fully renovate" the entire infrastructure of the Kennedy Center to make it a "crown jewel" of arts and culture in the United States. "We're going to bring it to a higher level than it ever hit," he said, adding the venue would be featured in next year's celebrations of the country's 250th anniversary. Since returning to power in January, Trump has sought to put his stamp on US culture and institutions to align them closer with his political and personal preferences. His administration has ordered a review of some Smithsonian museums and exhibitions to "remove divisive or partisan narratives". At the White House, Trump has added gold leaf to the Oval Office, paved over the Rose Garden and embarked on plans for a $US200-million ($A306 million) ballroom. Trump did not attend events at the Kennedy Center during his first term but has taken a keen interest in it during his second, vowing to overhaul an institution he and his "Make America Great Again" supporters view as too progressive. He pushed out its chairman in February and took on the role himself, fired its longtime president, and installed his former ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, as interim president. In a post on X, the Kennedy Center said its building - which opened in September 1971 - would undergo renovations thanks to Trump's advocacy aimed at restoring its "prestige and grandeur". with AP
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Trump names Strait, Stallone in Kennedy Center honours
Country musician George Strait, action movie star Sylvester Stallone and rock band Kiss will be celebrated with the 2025 Kennedy Center honours, one of the country's highest accolades in performing arts, US President Donald Trump has announced. English stage actor Michael Crawford, known for The Phantom of the Opera, and I Will Survive singer Gloria Gaynor will also be honoured at the event later this year. Trump said he was asked to host the event, which will air on CBS in December, and reluctantly accepted. "I didn't want to do it. OK?" Trump said. "They're going to say he insisted. I did not insist. But I think it will be quite successful." Trump arrived at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday to unveil its 2025 honorees for artistic excellence and tout a major renovation as lawmakers push to rename the venue for the Republican president. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump teased the announcement, saying, "GREAT Nominees for the TRUMP/KENNEDY CENTER, whoops, I mean, KENNEDY CENTER, AWARDS." Trump also hinted at a physical overhaul of the centre in Washington DC, saying he planned to restore it to the "absolutely top level of luxury, glamour, and entertainment". Trump on Wednesday said he will "fully renovate" the entire infrastructure of the Kennedy Center to make it a "crown jewel" of arts and culture in the United States. "We're going to bring it to a higher level than it ever hit," he said, adding the venue would be featured in next year's celebrations of the country's 250th anniversary. Since returning to power in January, Trump has sought to put his stamp on US culture and institutions to align them closer with his political and personal preferences. His administration has ordered a review of some Smithsonian museums and exhibitions to "remove divisive or partisan narratives". At the White House, Trump has added gold leaf to the Oval Office, paved over the Rose Garden and embarked on plans for a $US200-million ($A306 million) ballroom. Trump did not attend events at the Kennedy Center during his first term but has taken a keen interest in it during his second, vowing to overhaul an institution he and his "Make America Great Again" supporters view as too progressive. He pushed out its chairman in February and took on the role himself, fired its longtime president, and installed his former ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, as interim president. In a post on X, the Kennedy Center said its building - which opened in September 1971 - would undergo renovations thanks to Trump's advocacy aimed at restoring its "prestige and grandeur". with AP
News18
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Hans Zimmer Brings In Reference Of Mahatma Gandhi To Fight Trump's ICE Raids: 'Demonstrate Non-Violence'
Zimmer in an Instagram post brought in the reference of Mahatma Gandhi and urged the protestors to demonstrate non-violence and peaceful protest. Hans Zimmer, a two-time Oscar-winning composer, on Thursday accused US President Donald Trump of planting violent protesters in peaceful protests to escalate the situation. Zimmer in an Instagram post brought in the reference of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the greatest apostle of peace in the world, and urged the protestors to demonstrate non-violence and peaceful protest despite the President trying to hamper the situation. Taking to Instagram, the German film composer wrote, 'I fear the Trump administration will plant violent protesters among our peaceful protests. They will use this as an excuse to use force against us." He further elaborated on what protestors can do to continue with their peaceful demonstration. 'The moment violence or property damage begins, EVERY OTHER PROTESTER must immediately sit on the floor or the ground in silence, with signs down. The media needs to film this. This will reveal paid fake thugs posing as protesters becoming violent. The sitting down must spread like a 'wave" in a football stadium throughout the crowd of protesters." 'Local police officers will immediately see WHO is doing the damage, and the rest of us will demonstrate our non-violent innocence and retain our Constitutional right to peaceful protest," he added The film composer then used hashtags mentioning Mahatma Gandhi and passive resistance. Protests In Across US Los Angeles on Thursday entered seventh day of protests that have been largely peaceful but occasionally punctuated by violence. The protests broke out last Friday in response to a series of immigration raids. Trump, in turn, called in the National Guard on Saturday, then summoned the Marines on Monday. 'If I didn't act quickly on that, Los Angeles would be burning to the ground right now," said Trump at an event at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Similar protests have popped up across the US, including in New York, Seattle, Chicago, Austin, Las Vegas and Washington, DC. The mayor of Spokane, Washington, announced a state of emergency and a curfew after protesters blocked roads to protest the Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity. First Published: June 12, 2025, 14:04 IST
Daily Mirror
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Angry theatregoers boycott Les Misérables - because Donald Trump is there
The President was met with boos and heckles as he and the First Lady took their seats at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for the first time since Trump announced sweeping changes Donald Trump's arrival at the opening night of Les Misérables caused outrage among theatre-goers, with some audience members choosing to walk out before the show began. Grainy footage from inside the at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts captures audience members heckle Donald Trump as the President takes his seat for the performance. Trump took his place in the presidential box alongside wife Melania for the first time since his massive overhaul of the venue's output. Several members of Trump's top team were also in attendance. Trump's controversial changes to the nation's cultural heart have sparked fierce criticism, including appointing himself chairman, putting supporters in powerful positions in the organisation and announcing a cut on what he called "woke" productions, such as drag acts. Sales of subscription packages are said to have declined since Mr Trump's takeover, and several touring productions, including Hamilton, have cancelled planned runs at the centre. Actor Issa Rae and musician Rhiannon Giddens scrapped scheduled appearances, and Kennedy Center consultants, including musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming, resigned. When some of the ticket holders for Wednesday night's show donated their tickets when they found out that Trump, Vance and their wives, Melania and Usha, would be in attendance, according to Qommittee, a network of drag performers, fans and allies, as reported by Houston Public Media. It was not just members of the audience who boycotted the opening night performance. Up to a dozen cast members were reported to had said they would sit out the performance, replaced by understudies, in protest at Trump's changes to the beloved venue. 'The cast was given the option to not perform the night Trump will be in the audience, and both major cast members and members of the ensemble are among those sitting out,' CNN reported last month. Trump was joined by Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha as well as Attorney General Pam Bondi and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The MAGA takeover was met with heckles in the auditorium itself. People on X also shared the irony Mr Trump chose to see a performance about a mass uprising against a tyrannical king. Several drag queens were also present in the audience, in protest at Trump's ban on drag acts at the theatre. 'Theatre is supposed to be a place of community, a place of storytelling, a place of celebration, joy, catharsis and it should be open and available to all,' one of the drag queens, who goes by Vagenesis, told NPR. While many audience members heckled the President and first lady, others in the theatre cheered when they appeared. 'I love Les Mis,' Trump said. 'We've seen it many times. We love it. One of my favourites.' He was untroubled by reports that cast members may boycott the performance. 'I couldn't care less,' he said. 'Honestly, I couldn't. All I do is run the country well.' Sales of subscription packages are said to have declined since Mr Trump's takeover, and several touring productions, including Hamilton, have cancelled planned runs at the centre. Actor Issa Rae and musician Rhiannon Giddens scrapped scheduled appearances, and Kennedy Center consultants, including musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming, resigned.
