Singer Gloria Gaynor Shifts Tune, Appears at Trump Honors

Gloria Gaynor, the iconic disco diva, renowned for her 1978 anthem “I Will Survive,” will soon take a prominent spot during Donald Trump’s inaugural Kennedy Center Honors since assuming control over the institution. For the 81-year-old singer, accepting this award from a president who faces rejection from 92% of Black female voters represents a surprising shift—one that critics claim undermines the essence of her celebrated song. Trump unveiled this year's honorees—Gaynor, KISS bassist Gene Simmons, and actor Sylvester Stallone—during a televised showcase, asserting significant involvement in the selections while dismissing others as "too woke." This involvement marks a departure from the long-standing tradition of a nonpartisan committee choosing honorees, highlighting how the event has been tailored to fit his political narratives. Simmons, who has criticized Trump for enabling open bigotry, will perform alongside Stallone, a staunch Trump ally. Originally a bipartisan affair, the Kennedy Center Honors now prioritize loyalty and politics over artistic integrity, a shift that complicates Gaynor's legacy.

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