Billy Crystal mocks Trump’s UFC event after name removed from Kennedy Center

Billy Crystal took center stage at the Hollywood Bowl, hosting the opening night of the 2026 season. The seventy-eight-year-old comedian wasted no time. As per a report shared by The Hollywood Reporter, Crystal welcomed the crowd alongside performers Halle Bailey, Darren Criss, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Lea Salonga for an evening billed as "The Best of Broadway."

"Welcome to the 2026 opening night of the Hollywood Bowl," Crystal shared.

"I haven't heard excitement like that since they took Trump's name off the Kennedy Center. Unbelievable," he added.

The nine-time Oscar host then turned his sights to the Los Angeles mayoral race, poking fun at the city's drawn-out ballot counting process, which took nearly a week to confirm that Spencer Pratt would not be advancing to the fall runoff election.

"Everything's slow here. That's how we count our mail-in ballots — very slow. Right before I came out, they had the final results of the governor race, and Gray Davis is going to be in," Crystal quipped.

Crystal's statement was in reference to the former California governor being recalled in October 2003 and replaced by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Billy Crystal then tied the evening's theme back to the current political climate.

"Tonight's theme is the best of Broadway. It was either this or holding a UFC match here, and we decided that we would be classy and respectful."

Billy Crystal mentioned UFC at Hollywood Bowl while Freedom 250 pulled record numbers at the White House:

Crystal's reference to UFC at the Hollywood Bowl came as the sport's biggest event was making headlines of its own. As per a report shared by The Athletic, UFC Freedom 250, held at the White House, drew an average of seven million viewers in the U.S. on Paramount+.

The event, which took place on the South Lawn under a temporary structure with limited seating, was attended by President Donald Trump and became the most-watched live event to air exclusively on Paramount+.

The milestone surpassed the previous record set in January, when five million viewers tuned in for UFC 324, the first numbered event under a seven-year, multibillion-dollar deal between UFC and Paramount+, which had acquired the rights previously held by ESPN's "Plus" subscription tier.

Dana White spoke about the numbers hours after Freedom 250 wrapped.

"I just got off the phone with David Ellison, he's going crazy," said White.

"Out of the gates from the first fight, the fight exceeded all of Paramount's expectations. I'll let Paramount make their own announcement. You don't get calls from billionaires flipping out too often, so he is extremely excited," he added.

The seven-fight card was headlined by thirty-seven-year-old Justin Gaethje upsetting Ilia Topuria to claim the UFC lightweight championship.

Billy Crystal closes Hollywood Bowl opening night on a high note:

As the evening progressed, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra worked through a programme of Broadway classics on the newly named John Williams Stage. As per a report shared by The Wrap, the highlights were plentiful. Halle Bailey delivered a rendition of "Home" from The Wiz, while Lea Salonga and Darren Criss teamed up for "Suddenly Seymour" from Little Shop of Horrors. Renée Elise Goldsberry brought the house down with "Without You" from Rent, and Brian Stokes Mitchell opened proceedings with "There's No Business Like Show Business" from Annie Get Your Gun.

The two-hour show wrapped with the orchestra playing out a symphonic medley, set against the Bowl's traditional fireworks display.

Billy Crystal had one final ask for the crowd before the night was done.

"After the fireworks are over, if you would do me a favor, please stay in your seat for about a minute or two so I can get into my car and get out of here easily. It's been an honor everybody," he said in his closing remarks.

Billy Crystal announces Broadway return after losing home in Palisades fire:

Saturday night's Hollywood Bowl appearance wasn't the first time Billy Crystal made headlines in 2026. Back in April, the comedian announced his return to Broadway with a brand new one-man show. As per a report shared by Variety, the show is titled "860," opening this fall, and was written by Crystal himself.

The title is named after the address of the home he lost in the 2025 Palisades fire, one of the most destructive blazes in California history. Billy Crystal was among thousands who lost their homes in the Palisades and Eaton fires. He shared his excitement over the announcement.

"I am thrilled to return to Broadway this fall with this challenging new show," said Crystal.

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He then opened up further about the meaning behind the show's title and what audiences can expect.

"860 was the address of the home we lost in the Palisades fires. We lived there for 46 years. I invite you to come inside 860 and I'll tell you all the funny and touching things that happened there, not only in my career but to our family. It's a joyous and heartfelt visit, about how with the love of family and friends and your inner strength, you can get through tough times. I look forward to returning to Broadway and welcoming audiences to '860'," Crystal continued.

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