This year marks the 45^th Annual Kennedy Center Honors which were held at the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C. on December 4^th. Didn’t get an invite? No problem. The ceremony will be presented on CBS later this month after Christmas. Among this year’s Honerees include acclaimed actor and filmmaker George Clooney; singer-songwriter Amy Grant (the first contemporary Christian music start to do so); the legendary singer of soul, gospel, R&B and pop Gladys Knight; Cuban-born American composer, conductor and educator Tania León; and iconic Irish rock band U2, comprised of band members Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr.

“I’m still processing the whirlwind weekend at the Kennedy Center Honors,” says Grant. “Somewhere in the telling of each of our stories and accomplishments, with laughter and tenderness, through the lens of friendship and connection, we all experienced the unifying impact of the arts in its many forms. Hats off to the Kennedy Center team for curating such a spectacular event that created a lifetime of memories.”

The Honors recipients are recognized for their contributions to American culture through the performing arts – whether in music, dance, theater, opera, motion pictures or television – and are confirmed by the Executive Committee of the Center’s Board of Trustees. The primary criterion in the selection process is excellence. The Honors are not designated by art form or category of artistic achievement; the selection process, over the years, has produced balance among the various arts and artistic disciplines.

In a star-studded celebration, the 2022 Honorees will be saluted by today’s leading performers from New York, Hollywood and the arts capitals of the world, accepting the recognition and gratitude of their peers through performances and tributes.

The 45^th Annual Kennedy Center Honors will air on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 on CBS and on demand on Paramount+.