WASHINGTON --
The pair were seated in the balcony along with the recipients of the 39th annual national celebration of the arts: Academy Award-winning actor, Pacino, rock band the Eagles, Argentine pianist Martha Argerich, gospel and blues singer
Also as per tradition, the honorees were kept in the dark about which A-listers will be there to salute them until the night of the gala. In 2009, the excitement over the new president "created a lot of fresh energy,"
And this year was no different.
"We are going to miss him so much," singer Juanes said of Obama on the red carpet. On hand to perform as part of the Eagles' tribute, he also performed two years ago when
Will he come back again next year when
"No," he said, "I don't think so."
Once things got rolling, the political jokes didn't take long to start. In his opening line, host
Colbert said the country has been lucky to have a leader who is "passionate, intelligent and dignified," which drew cheers and a standing ovation from the crowd. Colbert joked: "Sir, I don't know why you stood up, I was talking about Michelle."
"The wisdom behind that unbelievable voice is hard-earned," noted Clinton, referring to Taylor's previous struggles with addiction.
Garth Brooks, who is such a fan of the singer that he named his daughter Taylor, sang Shower the People and How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You), the latter of which Crow and Rucker joined in on and drew the entire crowd to its feet.
"I don't think there is an actor in the past five decades that hasn't been influenced by Al Pacino," said
Calling Pacino a "cultural icon," Kevin Spacey did his best impression of the actor as he tried to teach the audience how to do the same.
The reason, Spacey says, people like to do impressions of Pacino is because "he has created characters that are unforgettable."
"He makes the gods of acting smile," said Sean Penn.
And finally, it was time to honor the Eagles, including the late Glenn Frey. The group was set to receive the Honors in 2015, but had to delay because of Frey's declining health.
"All want to say is well done boys, and peace and love to everybody," said Ringo Starr before introducing the Kings of Leon, who played Take It Easy. Bob Seger got everyone rocking to Heartache Tonight, and Juanes nailed his rendition of Hotel California, before a finale of Life in the Fast Lane.
The Honors Gala will air for the 39th consecutive year as a two-hour special on CBS at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Dec. 27.