Springsteen, De Niro For Kennedy Awards

You lookin' at me? Tramps like these, baby, they were born to run...

By Blurt Staff

This year's Kennedy Center Honors should prove interesting: Bruce Springsteen and Robert De Niro, along with Mel Brooks, Dave Brubeck and opera's Grace Bumbry, are the 32^nd edition's honorees. They'll appear December 6 at the White House then be whisked over to the Kennedy Center to receive their kudos (CBS will air the ceremony Dec. 29). And yes, they'll be jostling for table space with President and Michelle Obama.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Kennedy Center:

"This year, the Kennedy Center celebrates five extraordinary individuals whose unique and abundant artistry has contributed significantly to the cultural life of our nation and the world. With his hilarious movies and musicals, Mel Brooks has created comedic gems that will keep us laughing for years to come. Dave Brubeck's genius has dazzled us for six decades and has helped to define an American art form. Grace Bumbry helped to break the color barrier on her way to one of the most illustrious operatic careers in the 20th century. One of America's greatest cinematic actors, Robert De Niro has demonstrated a legendary commitment to his characters and has co-founded one of the world's major film festivals. With his gritty and honest songs that speak to the everyman, Bruce Springsteen has always had his finger on the pulse of America."