Diana Ross Wins Supreme Honor

American artists recognized for achievement in performing arts

(NEWSER) - A "California Dreamin'" Beach Boy, the director of a bunch of "Goodfellas," a "wild and crazy" SNL alum, a Motown diva who beseeched us to "Stop! In the Name of Love," and a one-handed pianist all took a bow last night as the 30th batch of Kennedy Center honorees, the AP reports. More»

Meryl Streep, Neil Diamond, Yo-Yo Ma among this year's recipients

(AP) - It was glitz DC-style at the Kennedy Center last night, which saw five artists honored during this year's gala: Meryl Streep, Neil Diamond, Yo-Yo Ma, Sonny Rollins, and Barbara Cook. The Washington Post reports that the red carpet was a jumble of politicians (Newt Gingrich and wife Callista) and celebrities (Streep wore Elie Saab). This year's recipients sat with the first couple in the balcony (orchestra seats went for $5,500 a pop). Quips abounded, with director Mike Nichols saying Streep "could handle any part thrown at her, except maybe Gidget." After a video montage of her career was screened, Robert De Niro observed, "Looking at those great moments over the years, I realize ... I was amazing in Deer Hunter." More»

Brubeck, Bumbry, Mel Brooks round out list of those lauded at gala

(NEWSER) - Last night’s Kennedy Center Honors brought together such unlikelies as Jack Black and Aretha Franklin to fete award winners Mel Brooks, Dave Brubeck, Grace Bumbry, Robert De Niro, and Bruce Springsteen in a three-hour variety show. Highlights of the night, attended by the president, vice president, and speaker of the house, from the Washington Post :

• Jon Stewart summed up Springsteen in his introduction: “I believe that Bob Dylan and James Brown had a baby,” before Ben Harper, Melissa Etheridge, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, John Mellencamp, and Sting—who got the crowd to its feet—all took turns belting out the Boss’s greatest hits.