The two-hour long program — produced and co-written by George Stevens, Jr. — is set to air at 9 PM ET; check local listings. The 2005 Kennedy Center Honorees include singer Tony Bennett, dancer and teacher Suzanne Farrell, actress Julie Harris, actor-director-producer Robert Redford and singer Tina Turner. The honorees were presented with their awards Dec. 3 at a State Department dinner hosted by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Prior to the Dec. 4 gala performance, the honorees met with President George W. and First Lady Laura Bush. The gala performance, which was taped for broadcast, featured stars from the world of the performing arts. Among those who made appearances were Diana Krall, k.d. lang, Kevin Spacey, Mary-Louise Parker, Arthur Mitchell, Paul Newman, Oprah Winfrey, Melissa Etheridge, Queen Latifah and Beyoncé. P> About this year's honorees, Kennedy Center Chairman Stephen A. Schwarzman said in a recent statement, "We honor five extraordinary American artists whose unique and abundant contributions to our culture have transformed our lives. Tony Bennett is a brilliant musician and singer's singer whom even the great Frank Sinatra called the best there is; Suzanne Farrell's profound artistry has inspired the creation of masterpieces and is teaching ballet to a new generation; for half a century, the enchanting Julie Harris has been one of this country’s most acclaimed and revered actors; Robert Redford is an actor/director whose extraordinary support of independent film has had an immeasurable impact on filmmakers and audiences alike; and Tina Turner's sizzling talent and indomitable spirit has made her one of the world’s best-loved entertainers."

For more information about the Kennedy Center Honorees or the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, visit www.kennedy-center.org.