Rubenstein released a statement saying they were “grateful” to the Trumps for avoiding a conflict that would overshadow the ceremony

WASHINGTON — This year’s Kennedy Center Honors recognizing outstanding artists and performers managed to skip the political drama that loomed over it earlier this year — just ask honoree Norman Lear.

amazing moment” for a hip-hop artist who officials said was the youngest-ever Kennedy Center Honors recipient at 49.

He said there were many deserving rappers and performers from his generation but would not go so far as to say that anybody deserved the honor over him.

“I’m humble, but I’m not going to play pseudo-humble,” he said before the program. “I’m the one!”

The 40th annual Kennedy Center Honors ceremony also paid tribute to dancer and 장흥출장샵 choreographer Carmen de Lavallade and musicians Lionel Richie and Gloria Estefan. In addition to the Sunday ceremony, this year’s recipients were honored Saturday at a gala State Department dinner.

De Lavallade spoke with CBS “Sunday Morning” and talked about potentially boycotting the ceremony if Mr. Trump attended.

“I’m not political,” she said. “I have my own way of being political. That’s the first time I’ve ever felt that I … I just can’t.” 

In the past, most U.S. presidents have attended the ceremony, but it’s not unprecedented for a sitting president to skip it. Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton all missed ceremonies during their terms in office, but in all previous cases the first lady attended.

Kennedy Center officials didn’t hide their relief when Mr. Trump announced he wouldn’t attend. Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter and Chairman David M. Rubenstein released a statement saying they were “grateful” to the Trumps for avoiding a conflict that would overshadow the ceremony.

“In choosing not to participate in this year’s honor’s activities, the administration has graciously signaled its respect for the Kennedy Center and ensures the honors gala remains a deservingly special moment for the honorees,” the statement said.

Their full statement was posted online earlier this year:

A Statement from Chairman David M. Rubenstein & President Deborah F. Rutter Regarding the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors pic.twitter.com/YdkyryF3s7

The 2017 Kennedy Center Honors ceremony will be held on Dec. 3 and air on CBS and CBS All Access on Dec. 26.