The Honors recipients, according to press notes, are "recognized for their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts – whether in dance, music, theater, opera, motion pictures or television – and are selected by the Center’s Board of Trustees. The primary criterion in the selection process is excellence. The Honors are not designated by art form or category of artistic achievement; over the years, the selection process has produced a balance among the various arts and artistic disciplines."
The evening included performances by Tony Award winners Jessie Mueller, Laura Benanti and Martin Short, as well as Tony Award nominee Kelli O'Hara. Performers also included Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson and Bruce Springsteen.
Click through to watch the performances.
Kelli O'Hara, Jessie Mueller and Laura Benanti sing "They Can't Take That Away From Me"
Bruno Mars Sings "So Lonely/Message in a Bottle"
Lady Gaga Sings "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You"
Bruce Springsteen Sings "I Hung My Head"
Jennifer Hudson and Usher Sing "Simply Beautiful" and "Let's Stay Together"
Esperanza Spaulding and Herbie Hancock Sing "Fragile"
Martin Short and Ensemble Salute Tom Hanks With "Yankee Doodle Dandy"
Mavis Staples and Sam Moore Sing "Take Me to the River"