Whenever Sting covers a song, he makes it his own—and his rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s The Rising at the Kennedy Center Honors was no exception. With Springsteen watching from the audience, grinning in approval, Sting set the stage for an unforgettable tribute.
He began with a heartfelt bow before delivering an intimate, piano-backed opening that gradually built in intensity. As a full band and soaring choir joined in, the performance reached breathtaking heights, bringing the entire star-studded audience to its feet. The energy was electric, and fans couldn’t stop raving about it. One even commented, “When you want your tribute done right, you call Sting.”
Sting’s moment came full circle in 2014 when he became a Kennedy Center Honoree himself—this time with Springsteen paying tribute by performing I Hung My Head. Watching the Boss take on his song with such passion was a powerful moment of mutual respect between two legends.
The 2009 Kennedy Center Honors also celebrated icons like Mel Brooks, Dave Brubeck, Grace Bumbry, and Robert De Niro. The night featured an all-star lineup, including John Mellencamp kicking things off with Born in the U.S.A. and Eddie Vedder delivering a moving rendition of My City of Ruins. But Sting’s tribute stood out as one of the night’s most unforgettable performances—one that even the Boss himself couldn’t help but admire.
