Washington, D.C. — The iconic Kennedy Center was abuzz with excitement as three living members of the legendary rock band KISS graced the red carpet on Sunday night. Dressed in tuxedos rather than their signature makeup and spandex outfits, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss appeared as rock royalty among an array of celebrities, which included Gloria Gaynor, Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, and Michael Crawford.

Former President Donald Trump, who recently asserted an unprecedented role as chair of the Kennedy Center’s board, was the center of attention during the event. This year’s ceremony marked a significant break from tradition, as Trump personally announced the honorees earlier in August. Notably, he became the first sitting president to host the annual celebration.

“This is the greatest evening at the Kennedy Center,” Trump declared from the stage, humorously suggesting that the venue should be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center. While much of the night’s presentations focused on celebrating artistic achievements, the former president’s presence did not go unnoticed.

The ceremony commenced with an emotional tribute to actor Sylvester Stallone, whose remarkable career was honored by composer Bill Conti. Stallone’s colleague, Kurt Russell, shared amusing anecdotes, highlighting an undeniable camaraderie. He reminisced about their collaboration on “Tango and Cash,” emphasizing the actor’s larger-than-life persona with a humorous twist.

Kelsey Grammer led a heartfelt tribute for Michael Crawford, the star of “Phantom of the Opera.” The actor expressed his admiration for Crawford and commended Trump’s investment in the Kennedy Center, noting its prior state of disrepair. “It was pretty much falling down,” he remarked on the red carpet, expressing hope for its revitalization.

Country music titan George Strait, celebrated for his storied career, was honored by Grammy winner Vince Gill, who performed Strait’s hit song “Troubadour.” The tribute featured additional performances by country duo Brooks and Dunn, along with Miranda Lambert.

Elle King brought the energy to the stage while honoring disco queen Gloria Gaynor, performing her iconic track “I Will Survive.” Content creator Montana Tucker introduced gospel artists, who paid tribute to Gaynor’s influence on the genre.

Tragedy struck earlier in the month for KISS fans, as the band mourned the loss of guitarist Ace Frehley. Paul Stanley reflected on their legacy during a red carpet interview, expressing both pride and sorrow at the band’s decades-long impact on rock music. Garth Brooks also emphasized KISS’s enduring appeal, highlighting how their distinct makeup made them unforgettable.

The night concluded with a rousing performance by the rock band Cheap Trick, which energized the audience with “Rock and Roll All Nite.” Trump capped off the evening with lighthearted remarks, urging attendees to travel home safely.

In a brief conversation before the show, Trump hinted at potential honorees for the following year, teasing excitement among fans. “A lot of people want to be on my list,” he noted.

As the celebration concluded, discussions emerged around the future of the Kennedy Center amidst ongoing investigations into Trump’s administration. The event is set to be broadcast on CBS on December 23, allowing a wider audience to join in honoring the achievements of this year’s distinguished honorees.