George Strait: ACM Artist of the Decade All Star Concert
8 pm/ET CBS
The famously taciturn George Strait may not say a lot, but when he sings he speaks volumes. The Texas-born troubadour rode into Nashville on a song more than 25 years ago and is now the owner of an amazing 57 No. 1 singles on the country charts. It's no wonder the Academy of Country Music selected him as its artist of the decade, joining previous legends Marty Robbins (1960s), Loretta Lynn (1970s), Alabama (1980s) and Garth Brooks (1990s). Fortunately for Strait, he doesn't have to say much during tonight's all-star tribute. He gets to sit back and listen to a who's who of country artists literally sing his praises, such as Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Sugarland and Martina McBride.
Read on for previews of Wipeout, Great Performances, The Goode Family, Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns and E! True Hollywood Story's 10 Greatest Stories Ever Told.
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American Idol
8 pm/ET FOX
There was no saving Grace. Last week our coterie of crooners rendered the country staples of the Grand Ole Opry, but it wasn't a grand ole time for soulful, telegenic Alexis Grace. The dirty little singer with the big talent was — shock of shocks — given the boot. Did America get it wrong? That's worthy of Idol chatter. But the show moves on anyway, and tonight we find the Top 10 performing the classic staples of Motown. And what would that genre be without a little Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson? Both Motown luminaries are in the house tonight.
Read on for previews of They Killed Sister Dorothy, Lost, Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Great Performances.
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Orange Bowl
8:30 pm/ET FOX
While the ACC and the Big East may not have been college football's most high-profile conferences this season, they were certainly among the most competitive, with teams knocking each other off with abandon.
Read on for previews of Tournament of Roses Parade, Great Performances, Dear Genevieve and Iron Chef America.
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Question: I know that you are a big fan of musical theater, and I was wondering if you've had a chance to view the version of Company that will air on PBS Feb. 20th. Having seen the production last year, I really hope that the filmed version captures the amazing performance I saw from Raul Esparza. With the television season cut short by the strike and less heavy competition, might Raul Esparza have a shot at an Emmy?
Answer: If ever there was a star turn that lived up to the title of Great Performances (the PBS franchise that's presenting Company), it's Raul Esparza's brilliant Bobby. My review will be out later this week, in the magazine and online. I thought they did a terrific job of capturing the look and feel of this unusual revival, in which the cast doubles as the orchestra. (With a few really great payoffs, most notably the three girls tooting their saxes during the "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" number.) Esparza's charisma and intensity knocked me out when I saw the show in
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Question: I was stunned by the recent passing of a true operatic diva/prima donna and patron of the arts, Beverly Sills, who succumbed to cancer. Are there any plans for a TV special (on PBS, perhaps?) honoring this magnificent soprano? Or perhaps a biography of her sometimes difficult life (both of her children were born with birth defects)?
Answer: PBS's Great Performances produced a biographical special last year, Beverly Sills: Made in America, that has been repeated in many markets this month in the wake of her untimely death. If you missed it, or if it's not being shown in your market, it's available on DVD ...
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