News | Entertainment
16 Jul 2025 10:56
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    The 2021 Kennedy Center Honors celebrated Joni Mitchell, Bette Midler, Berry Gordy and Lorne Michaels with Lifetime Achievement awards on Sunday night (05.12.21)

    The prestigious bash returned as an in-person event for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic and was attended by the President of the United States for the first time since 2016, with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden in attendance at the star-studded gala


    In tribute to music legend Joni, 78, musicians Ellie Goulding, Norah Jones, Brandi Carlile, and Brittany Howard gave surprise performances of her most-loved songs.

    As for Bette, 76, her Hollywood peers Goldie Hawn and Barbara Hershey paid tribute to the 'Hocus Pocus' star, while 'Pose' and Broadway star Billy Porter took to the stage for a show-stopping rendition of the icon's hit single 'The Wind Beneath My Wings' from the soundtrack to the 1988 film 'Beaches'.

    Motown legend Berry, 92, was honoured by the likes of Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson in recognition of the way he helped launch their careers.

    Operatic superstar Justino Diaz, 81, was also celebrated with a performance from the opera 'Carmen'.

    Away from music, 'Saturday Night Live' legend Lorne -who created and produces the iconic late-night comedy sketch show - was saluted by comics Jimmy Fallon, Amy Poehler, and cast members Colin Jost, Michael Che and Pete Davidson.

    The president had hosted a reception for the honourees at the White House prior to the gala, which is set to air on CBS on December 22.

    Speaking from the East Room, he told the select guests: “We welcome everyone back.

    “Our nation is stronger, more dynamic and more vibrant because of you."

    He said of the honourees: “I don’t think you fully appreciate what you do for so many people.”

    Biden joked about Lorne, whose show regularly pokes fun at presidents: “Finally, it’s my turn to say something about him."

    The world leader admitted: “You make me laugh at myself a lot."

    While he told Bette: “People will never forget how you make them feel. That’s your gift, it’s incredible.”

    Speaking to Joni, he said: "Your words and melodies touch the deepest parts of our soul."

    Stevie Wonder headlined the four-hour event.

    © 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     16 Jul: AJ McLean reunited with his estranged wife Rochelle DeAnna McLean at the opening night of the Backstreet Boys' residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas
     16 Jul: Eric Idle feels "lucky" to be alive
     16 Jul: Rihanna has "always wanted" a baby girl
     16 Jul: Rita Ora thinks mutual support is the key to her marriage to Taika Waititi
     16 Jul: Sarah Jessica Parker refuses to watch And Just Like That...
     16 Jul: Lala Kent knew about Brock Davies' affair before it became public knowledge
     16 Jul: Billie Lourd's kids will "freak out" about her Smurfs role
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    All Black Sevu Reece has declared himself ready to return to the test arena More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Inflation's back on the rise around the world More...



     Today's News

    Health & Safety:
    Research shows possible protective factors for dementia, and stroke from weight-loss jabs - with more research needed 10:47

    Entertainment:
    AJ McLean reunited with his estranged wife Rochelle DeAnna McLean at the opening night of the Backstreet Boys' residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas 10:40

    International:
    Donald Trump announces trade deal with Indonesia with a 19 per cent levy to be imposed 10:37

    Motoring:
    Whakatane's Reid Road is closed between Cross Road and Awahou Road following a serious two-vehicle crash 10:27

    Entertainment:
    Eric Idle feels "lucky" to be alive 10:10

    National:
    Lagos is young and diverse, so what shapes ethnic and religious prejudice among teens? Our study tried to find out 10:07

    Soccer:
    The Club World Cup in Trump's America showed co-hosting the biggest global sport event may be an issue 10:07

    Living & Travel:
    Air New Zealand has dropped to tenth when it comes to punctuality - despite being named the world's safest airline 10:07

    Entertainment:
    Rihanna has "always wanted" a baby girl 9:40

    Business:
    Inflation's back on the rise around the world 9:27


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd