Cynthia Erivo performs 'Alfie' for Dionne Warwick | 46th Kennedy Center Honors

Cynthia Erivo brings down the house with her soulful rendition of "Alfie" in a heartfelt tribute to 2023 Honoree Dionne Warwick.

The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is proud to celebrate the 46th Honorees for lifetime artistic achievements: actor and comedian Billy Crystal; acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming; British singer-songwriter producer, and member of the Bee Gees, Barry Gibb; rapper, singer, and actress Queen Latifah; and singer Dionne Warwick.

The event took place Sunday, December 3rd, 2023, in the Kennedy Center Opera House, and premieres Wednesday, December 27 at 8pm ET on CBS and will be available for viewing on Paramount+.

#KCHonors #CBS #kennedycenter

[m.e.c.]

Quick story: I was in NYC for a business trip, I was overworked, depressed, I missed home. One day in my hotel room I was looking for Broadway tickets online to cheer myself up. I thought of calling the Amex concierge because I could not find good seats, and I did. They called me back incredibly excited and offered me a front row center ticket for The Color Purple. Literally in the middle and front row. I could touch the stage. J-Hud was still part of the cast and I thought omg I love her. I went to see this show for J-Hud (and obv I loved the movie The Color Purple as well) and then from the moment I heard Cynthia sing, the whole show, I was sobbing. This woman left her heart and soul on that stage. The vibrations I got from her (and from the whole cast) was insane. The palms of my hands were raw from clapping. She changed my life that day and gave me so much strength. Then the next day I went out for a run...and who do I bump into?? Cynthia!!! She was SO gracious, so kind, we were both sweaty and out of breath but she hugged me when I told her my story. I love her so much. That week in NYC changed my life and every time I feel down I think of that week and take energy from that moment. I am beautiful. And. I'm. HERE.

EDIT: I never expected my comment to get this many likes, if any. But the comments... man. This beautiful experience I had, now almost a decade ago, changed my life forever. To this day it is continuing to touch my life. Look at all of these beautiful comments. The internet is full of hate and trolls, but one after the other, each and every comment I read here made me burst into tears. I can't reply all but I can tell you I know that moment came from a divine intervention. God, the universe, whatever you believe in. For me, God, he picked me up and sat me down front row center to watch her that day. The next day I was literally basking in that beautiful energy while running and she ran across me the moment I was thinking about her. And now I am reading these comments and it has just made my day. Just to let y'all know, I quit that job! I am a teacher now! No more corporate slavery. Sending all of you so much love and yes music heals. It's God's gift! <3

[stylinsoprano]

Her PLACEMENT. Her TONE. Lawd, if I had a 10th of that?!? I wouldn’t shut up.

What an icon in the making honoring an icon 😍✨

[mommyissue]

This like my 50th time watching, no joke 😭😭

[Rosannasfriend]

Look at Dionne Warwick's face at the very beginning of the video. She was already a fan of Cynthia erivo. She knew what was coming!

[blackbroadwayandbeyond]

Give this woman all the standing ovations! 🙌🏾

[danielb]

Cynthia Erivo is the epitome of “the voice is an instrument”

[tinagaughan]

Is no one going to mention the GORGEOUS dress??

[nicolaspicon]

I am gonna need a 12-step program just to get over this performance.

[waynephillips]

I can't stop watching this. Clear as glass and sharp as a razor. Singing not just with power but also with intention and control. Mind blowing.

[raydavis]

I feel like she doesn’t “rehearse” she “researches” a song. She finds what the words mean to it then brilliantly describes it to us in pitch perfect voice.

[irie]

I'm so elated that Dionne Warick is honored while she's alive...
A legend who's unique voice and lyric transcends time.

[galenstone]

I grew up with the Warwick original.
This lady's reading delivered an absolutely jaw dropping tribute.
One of the hardest songs to sing well, ever.

[sava]

Her tone, her phrasing and her delivery are IMPECCABLE!!!!

[Escpsm_]

I can't stop playing this. This is just pure brilliance.

[ISGEORGES]

It’s unhealthy the times i’ve watch this video; such a gorgeous performance 🤍!!!!

[pizzatoes]

If Cynthia has 1, 000, 000 fans I'm one of them. If she has 10, I'm one of them. If she only has 1, that is me. If she has 0, I am dead. I love her so much!

[nessabp]

She did it again. I'm tellin' you that WOMAN HAS NO BOUNDARIES she is just magic. her tone, presence, everything!

[adesuaoseghale]

Ive watched this maybe a million times and it still takes my breath away

[daniellemaree]

Here are the lyrics

What's it all about, Alfie?
Is it just for the moment we live?
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
Are we meant to take more than we give
Or are we meant to be kind?

And if only fools are kind, Alfie
Then I guess it's wise to be cruel
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie
What will you lend on an old golden rule?
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie
I know there's something much more
Something even non-believers can believe in

I believe in love, Alfie
Without true love we just exist, Alfie
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie
When you walk let your heart lead the way
And you'll find love any day, Alfie
Alfie ...

[cufcufcuf]

This was the performance of the night. So stunning!!!

Just look at everyone's faces, utterly in awe of her.