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 Children's television program "Sesame Street" and conductor
Michael Tilson Thomas rounded out the group of five Kennedy
Center honorees who were feted for successful, decades-long
contributions to the small screen, large screen, and the stage.
With potential impeachment looming, President Donald Trump did
not attend the event or hold the customary reception for the
honorees at the White House.
The Republican president opted not to come to the annual show
during his first year in office because of controversy over his
polices and has not come since.
Politics dotted, but did not dominate, the evening.
"The arts is about bringing people together," said the show's
host, actor LL Cool J. "These are times when that's needed."
The crowd at the Kennedy Center gave Nancy Pelosi, the speaker
of the House of Representatives, a standing ovation when she was
recognized after intermission. Pelosi, a Democrat, has directed
the impeachment process against Trump.
The overwhelming focus of the night remained on the artists and
their work.
Singer Carrie Underwood wowed the audience with a version of
Ronstadt's song "Blue Bayou" while singers Aaron Neville and
Trisha Yearwood performed a moving version of the duet "Don't
Know Much" that Ronstadt recorded with Neville earlier in her
career.
Ronstadt is now retired and suffers from Parkinson's disease.
Field, who has won two Academy Awards and three Emmy Awards,
drew tributes from actor Tom Hanks, who greeted her with a "Hi
Mama!" in reference to her role as his character's mother in
"Forrest Gump," and director Steven Spielberg, who discussed his
initial skepticism about casting her as Mary Todd Lincoln in his
movie "Lincoln."
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She ended up getting the part and an Academy Award nomination.
Spielberg said he had never been so proud to be proven wrong.
Also known for roles in "Places in the Heart" and "Mrs. Doubtfire,"
Field told reporters ahead of the show that the award recognized a
body of work that had resonated with society.
"That's mind-boggling," she said.
"Sesame Street," beloved by children around the world, became the
first television show to become a Kennedy Center honoree. The show
teaches children numbers and letters and celebrates diversity.
A tribute was made to Caroll Spinney, the puppeteer who brought to
life popular character Big Bird. Spinney died on Sunday, aged 85.
Later in the night, singer Audra McDonald and the New World Symphony
Alumni Orchestra performed in honor of Thomas, known as "MTT," who
is the music director of the San Francisco Symphony, co-founder of
the New World Symphony and conductor laureate of the London Symphony
Orchestra.
The night ended with invigorating performances by singers Cynthia
Erivo, John Legend, Ne-Yo and the Jonas Brothers in honor of Earth,
Wind & Fire, whose members include Philip Bailey, Verdine White and
Ralph Johnson. The group has sold more than 100 million albums
worldwide.
The Kennedy Center Honors show will be broadcast on CBS on Sunday,
December 15.
(Reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
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