George Clooney, Gladys Knight, and U2: 2022 Kennedy Center Honors Recipients
It’s going to be a “Beautiful Day” for U2 this December since they’ve just been named recipients of this year’s Kennedy Center Honors.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has announced that U2 will share the distinction with American actor George Clooney, contemporary pop singer and Christian songwriter Amy Grant, legendary gospel and soul singer Gladys Knight, as well as composer and educator Tania Leon.
U2 band members Adam Clayton, The Edge, Bono, and Larry Mullen complete the five people who are annually honored primarily due to their influence and contribution to arts and culture. Usually, individual artists are reviewed and selected, but since the field of arts and culture continues to evolve and adapt to changing times, bands and other groups have also been included on the list of candidates to provide equal and fair opportunities to all.
In 2019, the band Earth, Wind & Fire was selected as one of the five honorees. Even “Sesame Street” was honored and celebrated. Previous recipients of the award include Led Zeppelin, LL Cool J, and The Eagles.
Last year’s honorees were Better Midler, Berry Gordy, Justino Diaz, Joni Mitchell, and Lorne Michaels.
Aside from being a night that celebrates the pinnacle of artistic achievement, the upcoming 45th Kennedy Center Honors is a fundraising event for the organization’s programs in art and education. Gala performance tickets are initially offered to donors and sponsors, and if tickets are still available, to the public.
Among the five honorees, Amy Grant has been getting the most support and approval because her contributions to Christian pop opened new doors for the music genre.
It’s important to note that the honor granted to these artists isn’t just based on a year’s work. One hit song, a movie, or a popular choreography isn’t enough to earn an individual the Kenney Center Honors. The award pays tribute to a person’s body of work and achievements in various aspects of art, whether it be through dance, motion pictures, music, opera, television, or theater.
All five honorees were shocked when they heard the news from Kennedy Center Honors.
George Clooney, who has been in more or less 55 films, is honored to be recognized and considers it a “genuinely exciting surprise” for him and his entire family.
Bono of U2 even dropped his fork when he was told that he and his bandmates were selected as honorees.
While Knight, who performed in the 2021 Kennedy Center Honors, never expected that she would be on stage again — this time as an awardee.
Meanwhile, Grant thought the honor was for her husband Vince Gill.
Leon, who was given the news over a phone call, admitted her surprise and said she was “a little bit like paralyzed.”
These honors have been presented every year since 1978. With the Kennedy Center Honors about five months away, everyone is looking forward to a night of classic entertainment.
The Washington event is set for December 4 while the television broadcast will be released on December 22, courtesy of CBS.
