Tribute, not politics, will be the focus as Trump hosts the Kennedy Center Honors

The three surviving members of the rock band KISS walked the red carpet at the Kennedy Center on Sunday evening. No makeup and sporting tuxedos instead of spandex, but they were swarmed by the press like the rock stars that they are. Other big names in entertainment were also in the building: Gloria Gaynor, Sylvester Stallone, George Strait and Michael Crawford.

But it was President Trump who was the star of the show.

It was the Kennedy Center Honors — the first since Trump installed himself as chairman of the center’s board of directors. Trump said yes closely involved in choosing the honoreesand on Sunday he became the first president to host the awards. Earlier this August, Trump broke with tradition and announced the names of the winners.

“This is the best night at the Kennedy Center,” he told the audience from the stage, before joking about the building’s renaming the Trump-Kennedy Center.

For the most part, the presenters stayed away from politics and shared personal stories about the awards.

Actor and producer Sylvester Stallone was the first star to be honored. Composer Bill Conti took the stage to perform selections from his score from the film Rocky. Actor Kurt Russell reminisced about working with him Tango and cash. “When Sly gives you a love tap, it’s like a sledgehammer hitting you on the shoulder,” he said.

Actor Kelsey Grammer took the lead in the ceremony Ghost of the Opera star Michael Crawford. Before the show, Grammer said the Kennedy Center Honors was an event he respected and participated in over the decades, and he praised Trump’s interest in investing in the center. “The word is it pretty much fell down,” he said on the red carpet. “So I’m very excited about it.”

On stage, most presenters refrained from commenting on politics. Grammy-winning singer Vince Gill honored country superstar George Strait. Strait, also known as “The King of Country Music,” is one of the best-selling country musicians of all time. Gill performed the George Strait song “Troubadour”. Also honoring Strait were country duo Brooks and Dunn and Miranda Lambert.

Singer Elle King paid tribute to disco star Gloria Gaynor, calling her Queen of the Discos and singing her hit ‘I Will Survive’. Content creator Montana Tucker introduced the gospel acts that performed for Gaynor.

Earlier this August, Trump broke with tradition and announced the names of the winners. KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has passed away earlier in October. “We can mourn him and celebrate what we’ve accomplished,” KISS singer Paul Stanley said in a red carpet interview. Fans have been rocking with the band for more than five decades.

Garth Brooks paid tribute, calling the band timeless. He said their signature make-up “made them the most recognizable band”. The rock band Cheap Trick was the last to perform, with a rendition of “Rock and Roll All Nite.” But it was Trump who called off the proceedings and told people to go home safely.

Before the show, Trump was asked who could be honored next year. “I can’t tell you yet,” he said. “A lot of people want to be on my list.”

All night long, Trump bragged about reviving downtown. In November, Senate Democrats launched an investigation into Trump’s dealings with the Center “cronyism and corruption.” Kennedy Center Ambassador Richard Grenell called the accusations false.

CBS will air the award on December 23.