Kennedy Center Honors Cast, Release Date, Episode Count & News

Kennedy Center Honors 2025 is a prestigious American television special airing on CBS, celebrating lifetime artistic achievements in music, theater, and entertainment. The event features legendary performers and honorees, honoring their lasting impact on American culture.

Had the immense honor of attending the 48th Kennedy Center Honors alongside my breathtaking wife, Erin, and our four wonderful children — a moment overflowing with pride. Additional snapshots from the evening will be shared soon! Kennedy Center Honors cast: Michael Crawford, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley. Kennedy Center Honors Release Date: December 23, 2025 (CBS).

During the ceremony, Kelsey Grammer delivered a heartfelt tribute to Michael Crawford, visibly moved by Crawford’s unmatched physical comedy and soaring vocal artistry. Grammer began his homage to the revered “original Phantom of the Opera” with a charming callback to Crawford’s unforgettable performance in Hello, Dolly! — a perfect nod to theatrical legend.

Kennedy Center Honors Plot:

This year’s Kennedy Center recognition ceremony pays tribute to five influential entertainment figures: country artist George Strait, rock band KISS, performer Michael Crawford, singer Gloria Gaynor, and actor Sylvester Stallone, acknowledging their enduring contributions to the nation’s cultural landscape.

Kennedy Center Honors Detail:

Special Title: Kennedy Center Honors (2025)
Network: CBS
Main Stars: Michael Crawford, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley
Genres: Special
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English
Release Date: December 23, 2025 (CBS)
Also Known As: Kennedy Center Honors Hulu, Kennedy Center Honors Series 1

Kennedy Center Honors Cast:

• Michael Crawford – Self

• Peter Criss – Self (KISS; Detroit Rock City, 1999)

• Ace Frehley – Self (KISS)

• Gloria Gaynor – Self

• Gene Simmons – Self (Swordfish, 2001)

• Sylvester Stallone – Self (The Oscars, 2016)

• Paul Stanley – Self (Superman Returns, 2006)

• George Strait – Self

Feeling deeply honored to have witnessed the celebration of these cultural titans in Washington, D.C.! Relive every magnificent moment of the 48th Kennedy Center Honors when it airs Tuesday, December 23 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS and streams simultaneously on Paramount+.

While recognizing artistic excellence, it’s worth highlighting true civilian heroism: Greg Biffle’s extraordinary courage and sacrifice amid one of the five deadliest hurricanes in recorded history merits the nation’s highest civilian accolade. The Presidential Medal of Freedom should unequivocally be bestowed upon him — his actions define heroism and deserve formal, national recognition.