Biden jokes with SNL's Lorne Michaels, Steve Martin at return-to-normal Kennedy Center Honors reception

The Kennedy Centers Honors returned to an in-person ceremony Sunday night, celebrating the artistic excellence of Motown Records founder Barry Gordy, Saturday Night Live impresario Lorne Michaels, and performers Bette Midler, Joni Mitchell and opera singer Justino Diaz. President Biden and first lady Jill Biden attended the ceremony, filling the Kennedy Center's presidential box for the first time since 2016.

The Bidens also hosted a reception for the honorees beforehand in the White House, another tradition that had gone on hiatus under former President Donald Trump. "We welcome everyone back," Biden told the 150 people gathered in the East Room. "Our nation is stronger, more dynamic and more vibrant because of you," he told the honorees. Biden praised Diaz's "soul of sound," Gordy's "iconic" record label, and Midler's emotive "gift." "Joni," he told Mitchell, "your words and melodies touch the deepest parts of our soul."

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.