WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday named country music star George Strait, “Rocky” actor Sylvester Stallone, singer Gloria Gaynor, the rock band Kiss and actor-singer Michael Crawford among the first batch of Kennedy Center Honors nominees under his leadership as the center’s chairman and said he’ll host the awards program.

Country singer George Strait and ‘Phantom of the Opera’ star Michael Crawford will also be feted in December at a gala hosted by the president.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he will host this year's Kennedy Center Honors ceremony after announcing a lineup of honorees he approved as part of his effort to remake cultural institutions he has deemed too liberal.