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 The Kennedy Center Honors are considered the
highest recognition in the country for artists across many
fields, and the importance of the annual event is usually
underscored by a White House reception with the president and
the first lady.
Not this year.
The White House said in August that Trump and his wife, Melania,
would not attend, so that those honored could enjoy the event
"without any political distraction." The White House reception
was also canceled after some honorees said they would boycott
it.
De Lavallade, 86, said she decided she could not attend such an
event after Trump said both right- and left-wing extremists were
at fault in a white supremacist rally in Virginia where one
woman died.
"Something in my soul ... said no," she told reporters.
The show at the Kennedy Center itself went on with minimal
politics and a lot of star power.
Musicians, including Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones and Kenny
Rogers, paid tribute to Richie, known for hits such as "Three
Times a Lady" and "Say You, Say Me." Singer Leona Lewis finished
with a rocking rendition of Richie's hit song, "All Night Long,"
bringing the audience to its feet.
Singer and songwriter Estefan, 60, who was born in Havana, Cuba,
was feted by her daughter, Emily, who delivered a moving
rendition of her mother's song "Reach."
The elder Estefan said she was thankful Trump chose not to
attend. "Whenever something becomes more about the controversy
than the actual achievements of the people that are receiving
the award, it kinda dampens it for everybody," she told Reuters
on Saturday.
LL Cool J, 49, who stars in the television show "NCIS Los
Angeles," made history by becoming the first hip hop artist to
join the club of honorees.
"I've never been more inspired," he told Reuters. "It's a
reminder that art matters." He said Trump's presence would have
been a distraction.
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 Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep kicked off a
tribute to her one-time teacher De Lavallade, an actress and a
dancer, who wiped tears from her eyes at the end of a powerful
dance and musical performance of an American spiritual with a
twist: "She's Got the Whole World in Her Hands."
Television producer and writer Lear, famed for producing the hit
comedy "All in the Family" as well as "Maude," "Good Times," and
"The Jeffersons," was celebrated for confronting tough social
issues.
Lear was like a second father, said film maker Rob Reiner, who
starred in "All in the Family." From the stage, he said,
"Norman, I love you," to which Lear shouted back from the
balcony in response, "I love you too."
Lear, 95, told Reuters it felt great to be an
honoree.
"It probably feels the same as it might have felt at 80. Everything
else does," he quipped, adding he was not upset that Trump chose not
to attend. "It wasn't a hand I needed to shake."
Displeasure at the Republican president and his policies formed a
subtle undercurrent at a State Department reception for the honorees
on Saturday night.
"Art transcends borders, cultures, politics," said actress Julie
Andrews, who emceed the reception. "This event gives us an
opportunity to step away from divisive discourse and appreciate
excellence in art that has been created for everyone."
CBS will broadcast the 40th Kennedy Center Honors show on Dec. 26.
(Reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Sandra Maler and Clarence
Fernandez)
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