Today's Entertainment

2 • December 18 - 24, 2016 • Brainerd Dispatch By Kyla Brewer TV Media T here's magic in the air this time of year and, as it turns out, there's plenty of magic on the air as well. In addition to a plethora of classic holiday specials and mov- ies, the networks are offering view- ers brand-new specials featuring up-and-coming performers, a mu- sic legend and some of today's most popular stars. Nick Cannon ("Drumline," 2002) kicks things off early in the week as the summer's No. 1 series warms hearts with a special holi- day edition. A diverse cast of per- formers comes together in the very first "America's Got Talent" Christ- mas special, airing Monday, Dec. 19, on NBC. Hosted by Cannon, the one-night-only event also features appearances by judges Simon Cowell ("American Idol"), Heidi Klum ("Project Runway"), Mel B ("The X Factor") and Howie Man- del ("Deal or No Deal"). As with the hit TV series, the special holiday program features a mix of music, magic and other va- riety acts sure to dazzle viewers. Season 11 winner and 12-year-old ukulele sensation Grace Vander- Waal is expected to present a spe- cial holiday selection as she head- lines the list of performers. Klum joins in on the fun when she ap- pears alongside her Golden Buzzer contestant, Sal Valentinetti. Pro- fessor Splash makes waves with eggnog for the first time ever, and The Regurgitator uses holiday or- naments in his unique perfor- mance. Some of the show's most memo- rable acts from past seasons par- ticipate in the Christmas special. Acrobatic gymnast group Ac- roArmy takes the stage at the Dol- by Theatre in Los Angeles, along with singers Calysta Bevier, Brian Justin Crum, "AGT" darling Jackie Evancho, singer/songwriter Ronee Martin, musical ensemble Sons of Serendip and family band Edgar. The show features a number of less conventional acts as well, such as magician Mat Franco, Piff the Mag- ic Dragon, shadow dancers The Sil- houettes, The Clairvoyants Thom- my Ten and Amélie van Tass, ven- triloquist Terry Fator, NFL player and magician Jon Dorenbos, and canine performers The Olate Dogs. In addition to past contestants, the "America's Got Talent's" Christmas special features appear- ances by R&B artist Andra Day, a cappella group Pentatonix and re- nowned magic duo Penn & Teller. As if that isn't enough, NBC has an even bigger treat for TV viewers, as stars pay tribute to a living leg- end in "Tony Bennett Celebrates 90: The Best Is Yet to Come," airing Tuesday, Dec. 20. A who's who of performers from the entertainment industry, past and present, showed up to honor the renowned crooner, who still loves to entertain. "I turn 90 tomorrow, and feel like I'm just getting started and look for- ward to each day," said Bennett when the special was filmed this summer. "I have loved performing for the public and sharing the music I love with the world." Born in Astoria, Queens, New York, Bennett had a humble up- bringing and worked as a singing waiter before getting his first big break with the single "Because of You." He rose to fame thanks to hits such as "Rags to Riches" and "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," but the rock 'n' roll era signaled a lull in his career. However, since staging a comeback in the late 1980s, Bennett has once again en- joyed mainstream success, amass- ing 19 Grammys and selling more than 50 million records worldwide. With a career that has spanned more than 60 years, it's no wonder stars wanted to pay tribute to the music industry icon. Fellow living legends Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin were among the celebrities who showed up for the glittering gala held at Radio City Music Hall in the Big Apple. The long list of performers also in- cludes Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Lady Gaga, Billy Joel, Diana Krall, k.d. lang and Rufus Wain- wright. Many actors and television personalities showed up to cele- brate with Bennett as well. Alec Baldwin, Steve Buscemi, Kevin Spacey, John Travolta, Bruce Willis and even Homer Simpson made appearances at the event. This isn't the first time stars and fans have been able to celebrate with the beloved Bennett. NBC honored the icon's 80th birthday as well — in fact, the network's 2006 special "Tony Bennett: An American Classic" won an as- tounding seven Emmys, which made it that year's most honored program. While NBC brings viewers Christmas cheer this season, CBS has a unique offering sure to in- spire viewers with a look at foster care and adoption in "A Home for the Holidays," airing Friday, Dec. 23. Both celebrities and average Joes and Janes share successful stories of adoption and foster care as they raise awareness about the important social issue in the annu- al special. Viewers will hear first- hand accounts of adoption that highlight the remarkable children and families helped by the process. The powerful program also in- cludes performances by some of today's most popular recording artists. From lighthearted fun to heartwarming, inspi- rational true-life stories, broadcast- ers have quite a few gifts for TV fans this season. In the hectic days ahead, take some time to celebrate with your favor- ite stars in "America's Got Talent," "Tony Bennett Cele- brates 90: The Best Is Yet to Come" and "A Home for the Holidays." Tony Bennett celebrates his life in "Tony Bennett Celebrates 90: The Best Is Yet to Come" Celebrate the season with star-studded specials Cover Story this week 501 W Washington St, Brainerd, MN 218-828-1823 Free loaner cars available with most services! www.heartlandtireservice.com www.heartlandtireservice.com INSTANT SAVINGS PLUS GREAT REBATES TIRE SAVINGS GOOD THROUGH 12/31/16 AND CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER ELIGIBLE TIRE LINES... SEE STORE FOR DETAILS 001509978r1 001506808r1 11633 State Hwy. 18, Brainerd, MN 56401 218-829-3278 www.isemanhomes.com Dealer License #MD05870 You're Home Now Iseman Homes an industry leader since 1920 providing value, service, stability and quality.

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