| 2025 | Mayor Mike Duggan and Devin Scillian |
| 2024 | U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Mike Tirico, and Daniel Loepp |
| 2023 | Huel Perkins and Lomas Brown |
| 2022 | Jalen Rose and Rev. Wendell Anthony |
| 2021 | Marla Drutz, Calvin Johnson and Bishop Edgar Vann |
| 2020 | Essential Workers |
| 2019 | Dennis W. Archer, Anthony White, and the Detroit Youth Choir |
| 2018 | Jim Nantz |
| 2017 | Big Sean and Carmen Harlan |
| 2016 | Keegan-Michael Key and Damon J. Keith |
| 2015 | Tim Allen and Stephen Henderson |
| 2014 | Meryl Davis & Charlie White |
| 2013 | Carol Goss, Jim Leyland, and Maggie Allesee |
| 2012 | Congressman John Dingell and Debbie Dingell |
| 2011 | Lisa and Bill Ford |
| 2010 | Anthony Earley Jr.and Dick Purtan |
| 2009 | Art Van Elslander and Paul W. Smith |
| 2008 | Cheryl Angelelli, Lindsay Tarpley, and Peter Vanderkaay |
| 2007 | Nate Robertson and Mickey Mouse |
| 2006 | Nicklas Lidstrom |
| 2005 | Rockettes |
| 2004 | Robert Porcher |
| 2003 | Gordie Howe |
| 2002 | Ernie Harwell |
| 2001 | Jessica Simpson |
| 2000 | Bo Schembechler |
| 1999 | Little Richard |
| 1998 | Temptations |
| 1996 | Anita Baker, Harry Blackstone Jr., and Jeff Daniels |
| 1995 | Big Bird |
| 1994 | Mario Andretti |
| 1993 | Kenya Moore |
| 1992 | Martha Reeves |
| 1991 | Isiah "Zeke" Thomas |
| 1990 | Aretha Franklin and Carole Gist |
| 1989 | Mitch Ryder |
| 1988 | Lionel Hampton |
| 1987 | Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. |
| 1986 | Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Sylvester the Cat |
| 1985 | Four Tops |
| 1984 | Thomas "The Hitman" Hearns |
| 1982 | Cindy Morgan and Mickey & Minnie Mouse |
| 1975 | Shirley Jones |
| 1972 | Theodor Seuss Geisel |
| 1971 | Phyllis George |
| 1970 | Pamela Anne Eldred |
| 1969 | Irene Ryan |
| 1968 | Goldie Hawn |
| 1964 | Lassie |
| 1959 | Shari Lewis & Lamb Chop |
