Kennedy Center Honors Promises Major Music Moments
WASHINGTON D.C.(CBSNewYork) -- The stars were out in Washington as the Capitol paid tribute to the arts.
This year's Kennedy Center Honors will showcase some of the biggest names in entertainment and promises some major music moments.
On Thursday, CBS 2's Tara Mergener had special sneak peek at the 2013 Kennedy Center Honorees.
Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana has come a long way from playing violin on the street for spare change.
"I am in heaven. I'm in 7th heaven. I am so grateful. Thank you so much," Santana said.
As part of the center's 36-year tradition performers were kept secret until they took the stage. Santana's idol Buddy Guy brought down the house.
Harlem Born Soprano Martina Arroyo used to imitate singers outside of an opera workshop as a child, she went on to be a star.
"I just held my breath the whole time. I was so moved," she said.
Bill O'Reilly and rapper Snoop Dogg had everyone in the house groovin' for jazz great Herbie Hancock.
"Herbie Hancock is someone I looked up to as a kid and an entertainer," Snoop said.
Hancock called it a sort of national 'thank you'.
"You get the feeling the country is thanking you. It's nothing I can compare to any other awards show," he said.
Kathy Bates had high praise for Shirely Maclaine.
"She's kept us entertained for decades. She's got an amazing body of work," Bates said.
But, the grand finale came from the Piano Man himself. Grammy winner Billy Joel has sold more than 150-million albums.
"I never expected the people there to be doing this. All those Vietnam vets showing up. That was a moment," Joel said.
The Kennedy Center Honors, including all of the special guests, will air on CBS 2 at 9 p.m. eastern time on Sunday night.
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