The Kennedy Center has challenged recent media reports about low ratings for the ceremony hosted by President Donald Trump shortly before Christmas.
According to Nielsen Live + Same Day Panel data, the event attracted an average viewership of 3.01 million, celebrating the achievements of iconic figures like rock band Kiss, country star George Strait, Broadway legend Michael Crawford, music icon Gloria Gaynor, and film star Sylvester Stallone.
Notably, this marks a 25% drop from the previous year’s audience. The 2024 event recorded an all-time low of 4.1 million viewers, down from 4.5 million the year before.
However, Roma Daravi, the Vice President of Communications at the Kennedy Center, disputed these figures, asserting that the ceremony “performed exceptionally well across key demographics and platforms” despite challenges such as airing on a Tuesday just two days before Christmas.
“Comparing this year’s ratings with last year’s is a flawed comparison and showcases an anti-conservative bias,” Daravi stated. “The show did quite well, especially given the timing and industry challenges.”
“Even with overall TV viewership dropping by about 20% year-over-year, this broadcast tied for the top spot alongside live NBA doubleheaders for adults aged 25-54,” she added. “Plus, the event garnered 1.5 billion social media impressions in one night, a huge leap from just 50 million similar impressions the previous year. It was a successful evening celebrating the Honors at the Trump Kennedy Center.”
Daravi also mentioned that last year’s awards were aired on a Sunday, following an NFL game, whereas this year, the center raised a record-breaking $23 million—almost double the previous year’s $12.7 million.
Trump made history by being the first sitting president to host the Kennedy Center Honors Ceremony.
