Gospel legend CeCe Winans is beaming with pride after her sister’s big night in Washington, D.C. The superstar singer took to social media to celebrate Debbie Winans’ powerful performance at the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors. Debbie hit the stage on December 23 to honor disco queen Gloria Gaynor. She joined a star-studded lineup that included Jason Crabb and Chris Blue for a soul-stirring gospel tribute. CeCe posted a clip of the performance, calling her sister’s vocals “incredible” and praising God for the moment.
The event, which aired on CBS, recognized a legendary group of artists for their impact on American culture. This year’s honorees included country star George Strait, rock band KISS, and actor Sylvester Stallone. While the night was a huge milestone for Debbie, it also sparked a heated debate online. Some fans were upset about the venue’s new political ties. Despite the noise, CeCe remained focused on her family’s success and her faith.
Debbie Winans Honors Gloria Gaynor with Gospel Tribute
Debbie Winans showed off her family’s signature vocal power during the tribute to Gloria Gaynor. She performed songs from Gaynor’s Grammy-winning gospel album, Testimony. Standing alongside Mike Farris and Deniece Williams, Debbie helped turn the theater into a place of worship. Her performance was a highlight of the night, proving the Winans family legacy is still going strong. CeCe was quick to share the joy with her millions of followers online.
“The Kennedy Honors were awesome! Great job, Robert Deaton! And my baby sister @debbie.winans was incredible!!! Praise God,” CeCe wrote on X.
Transitioning from the disco hits of the 70s to gospel, the segment celebrated Gaynor’s diverse career. Fans of the Winans family loved seeing the younger sister shine on such a prestigious stage. Many noted that Debbie’s voice sounds remarkably like her older sister’s. This performance marked a significant solo moment for Debbie, who is an accomplished singer and actress in her own right.
Mixed Reactions to the Trump-Hosted Kennedy Center Honors
While the music was beautiful, the political setting caused a stir among some of CeCe’s fans. The 2025 ceremony was hosted by President Donald Trump, which led to some backlash on social media. Critics questioned why the Winans family would participate in an event led by the current administration. In December 2025, a controversial board vote even sought to rename the venue the “Trump Kennedy Center.” This move led to lawsuits and boycotts from other major stars like Issa Rae.
Consequently, some fans felt disappointed that the gospel star would celebrate the event so openly. One user commented that it was “sad” to see the family accept the invitation. Another suggested that nothing happening at the center should be celebrated given the current climate. However, these negative voices were met with a wave of support from CeCe’s loyal followers. Many urged the singer to ignore the “haters” and continue showing love to her sister.
CeCe Winans Focuses on Faith and New Music
CeCe appears to be rising above the social media drama by staying rooted in her mission. Just a day after her post about Debbie, she released a new version of the classic song “Lean on Me.” This soul-stirring track is meant to provide inspiration and hope to her listeners. It serves as a reminder that her focus remains on the love of Jesus rather than worldly divisions. Her fans continue to praise her for being a light in a polarized world.
Supporters have been quick to defend the “Goodness of God” singer, emphasizing that love should come before politics. They noted that the Winans family has always supported one another through every season. By sharing the clip of Debbie, CeCe was simply acting as a proud big sister. As the New Year begins, both sisters seem ready to keep sharing their gifts with the world. CeCe’s focus on positivity suggests she won’t let online criticism slow her down.
