You might guess three explanations for Garth Brooks ' appearance at the Kennedy Center Honors before getting to the correct one.

Actually, there might be five or six explanations for his presence at the ceremony that are more logical than the truth.

The 48th Annual Kennedy Center Honors were held at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on Dec. 7, 2025.

Sylvester Stallone, George Strait , KISS , Gloria Gaynor and Michael Crawford received the honor this year.

President Donald Trump hosted the event.

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Brooks was not there to fete George Strait, but several other country stars were. Brooks' job was to perform in tribute to an unexpected -- and non-country -- honoree.

Who Performed for George Strait at the

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