The Obamas Dazzle At The 2013 Kennedy Centre Honors

joan

December 9, 2013 1:06 PM

Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Shirley MacLaine, Billy Joel & Co Receive America’s Highest Honor For Their Arts.

America’s President Barack Obama and First Lady, Michelle Obama were the hosts of the 2013 Kennedy Centre Honors at the White house on Sunday, Dec. 8. The big ‘green’ event is to award top Hollywood entertainers who have undoubtedly influenced America’s culture through the arts.

Six times Grammy winner Billy Joel, one of the world’s best selling artists of all time, joined keyboardist/composer, Herbie Hancock; actress Shirley MacLaine, musician Carlos Santana, veteran singer Tony Bennett and Opera singer Martina Arroyo in receiving the nation’s highest honor in Washington. All stars have been playing music, dancing or singing since they were kids and agree that the Kennedy Centre Honors stands apart from their Grammy or Oscar awards.

Michelle Obama stunned in a sexy green dress as she made her way into the East Room of the White House hand in hand with her well tux-up hubby and second most powerful man in the world, Barack Obama. The US head of state saluted all recipients for jobs well done and later enjoyed tribute performances from other top entertainers to the honorees.

Meanwhile on Saturday night, US Secretary of State John Kerry and wife Teresa Heinz Kerry hosted the honorees for a black-tie dinner at the State Department and he said all the artists had blazed trails and redefined the arts and American culture along the way, “They are loved by so many, imitated by some, but never ever can they be replaced. We are reminded that the role of arts can also never be replaced.” Kerry stated.

Also present at the White House event were, actress Kathy Bates, Glenn Close, Anna Kendrick, music mogul, Clive Davies, Ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshrikov and country singer Garth Brooks.

joan