Later on stage, the Winans duo joined to fete Grant in a medley featuring her songs, “Sing Your Praise to the Lord” and “El Shaddai,” as CCM artist Michael W. Smith played the piano and the Howard Gospel Choir added their voices.
When the show opened with the national anthem, singer Tricia Yearwood joined the choir, directed by Kirk Franklin, for an upbeat version of the patriotic tune. The background included a moonlit sky, the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, U.S. Capitol and a waving American flag.
Prior to the event, Smith said he was thrilled to see his longtime friend honored for her role in music, including the subgenre she helped him enter.
“I wouldn’t be standing here talking to you if it hadn’t been for Amy,” he told RNS as he appeared at the event before continuing their joint Christmas tour this week. “I was her opening act in 1982.”
Others in and beyond the music industry spoke of Grant’s influence on and off the stage.
Sheryl Crow, who sang Grant’s “Baby, Baby” in her honor, spoke of how Grant had inspired her as a musician, mother and friend.
“Amy Grant’s music had a profound effect on me as a young college student,” said Crow. “Her music was a staple with her deeply soulful voice and her uplifting message of hope and faith,” said Crow. “Amy also taught me that it was possible to be funny, irreverent and Christian all at the same time.”
The segment of the program honoring Grant included video clips of her four children speaking of times when they accompanied her on tour when they were young, inspired a song — she wrote “Baby, Baby” about daughter Millie — or appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” as was the case with daughter Sarah when she was a baby.
A glitch with a guitar caused an awkward pause as country musicians The Highwomen prepared to sing “Somewhere Down the Road” for Grant and the audience.
“We love you Amy,” someone shouted before the program moved ahead after a “technical difficulties” announcement.
Veteran broadcaster Katie Couric, a close friend of Grant’s, added to the chorus of accolades, speaking about lessons Grant had heeded.
“Amy, you once shared the four words your sweet mom said to you, words you’ve never forgotten: Sing something that matters,” Couric said. “Well, you’ve done it and you’re still doing it.”
A two-hour presentation of the Kennedy Center Honors, which lasted more than three hours, will air on CBS at 8 p.m. EST/PST on Dec. 28.
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This article originally appeared at ReligionNews.com.
