The Kennedy Center Honors aired on CBS tonight and Jennifer Hudson and Steven Tyler were on hand to honor Oprah Winfrey and Paul McCartney, respectively.
First up is Jennifer, performing a powerful version of “I”m Here” from the Oprah-produced Broadway musical, The Color Purple. Fantasia played the role of Celie on Broadway for part of the run.
As Jennifer sang, Oprah grasped partner Stedman Graham’s hands. A choir joined Jennifer on stage, and after they finished, the crowd of luminaries, including President and First Lady Obama, were on their feet.
Steven Tyler performed a medley of the final four songs from the Beatles’ last studio album, Abbey Road, including the songs “She Came in Through the Bathroom Window”, “Golden Slumbers”, “Carry That Weight” and “The End”. Steven came back at the end to perform “Hey Jude” in an all-star finale featuring James Taylor, Mavis Staples and more.
Bonus: Added part 1 of the McCartney tribute, featuring No Doubt featuring “Hello Goodbye” and “Penny Lane” plus Nora Jones and Dave Grohl singing “Maybe I’m Amazed”.
Bonus: Glee’s Matthew Morrison performs “It’s Today” from Mame in a star-studded tribute to the legendary Broadway composer and lyricist, Jerry Herman.
(I’ll be editing in more performances as I get them uploaded)
Videos After the JUMP…
Jennifer Hudson – I’m Here
Matthew Morrison – “It’s Today”
No Doubt (Hello Goodbye, Penny Lane) Plus Nora Jones and Dave Grohl (Maybe I’m Amazed)
Steven Tyler – Abbey Road Medley
