The recipients of the 46th Kennedy Center Honors have been announced.
The award for lifetime artistic achievement will recognize actor and comedian Billy Crystal; celebrated soprano Renée Fleming; singer-songwriter and Bee Gees band member Barry Gibb; actress, singer and rapper Queen Latifah; and singer Dionne Warwick.
Queen Latifah said she was beyond grateful for the recognition. “When we started on this journey decades ago, we were often told ‘No.’ No, you won’t be able to leave New Jersey. No, if you rap you can’t sing. No, singers can’t become actresses. No, actors can’t also produce,” she said in a statement. “To now be recognized amongst so many multi-hyphenates feels unbelievable, not for just me and my team, but for our community.”
Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter said in a statement that the honorees each “explored new terrain, stretched artistic boundaries, and most importantly, committed to sharing their gifts with the world.”
She added that it was a privilege to honor Queen Latifah — “the First Lady of Hip Hop” — this year, 50 years since the birth of the uniquely American culture art form.
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