REAL TV

An icon honored: An assembly of the music industry’s greatest singers, songwriters and dignitaries gather to honor legendary Canadian-American musician Joni Mitchell as the 2023 recipient for the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. This illustrious, inviteonly concert special airs Friday, March 31, on PBS.

The Gershwin Prize for Popular Song is awarded annually to an artist whose contributions to popular music in American culture are profound and lasting, and the “Big Yellow Taxi” singer, now 79, certainly fits the bill, having been touted by music critics as one of the 20th century’s greatest singer-songwriters. The star-studded event celebrates the life and career of the acclaimed artist, whose folk music career spans decades and is highlighted by the 1971 album “Blue,” a critical masterpiece. This year, Mitchell makes history as the third woman to ever receive the honor and as the first Canadian artist to be recognized by the Library of Congress.

The concert event, located at the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., is rounded out by an impressive lineup of performances, featuring Annie Lennox (“Here Comes the Rain Again”), Marcus Mumford (“Little Lion Man”), Cyndi Lauper (“Time After Time”), Brandi Carlile (“The Story”) and Mitchell herself. Though Mitchell’s recent years have been plagued with health issues, including a brain aneurysm affecting speech and movement that had prevented Mitchell from performing for many years, this event was different. Speaking at the concert (which took place March 1), Mitchell thanked her fans and peers for their unwavering support, basking in the admiration after a long struggle that left many fans worried about her performing future.

“So many people I care about are here tonight,” Mitchell said. “New friends, old friends. It’s kind of thrilling.”

Tune in to PBS for the twohour concert event celebrating the life of a true artistic icon. “Joni Mitchell: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song” airs Friday, March 31.

‘iHeart’ music: Awards season is chugging along at full speed, and the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards are keeping right up: this annual celebration of the music industry’s best and brightest airs Monday, March 27, live on Fox.

Celebrating the most popular artists and albums from the past year while looking forward to the future hits of 2023, this competitive field is out in full force. Pop superstars Harry Styles (“As It Was”) and Taylor Swift (“AntiHero”) are leading the pack this year, tied with eight nominations apiece. Nominations for both artists include Song of the Year, Artist of the Year and Best Music Video. Swift currently holds the record for Most Wins at the event with 13, while Canadian-born rapper Drake is the most nominated artist of all time with 44 nods.

Other nominees highlighted at this year’s iHeart Radio Music Awards include Lizzo (“About Damn Time”), Jack Harlow (“First Class”), Justin Bieber (“Ghost”), Doja Cat (“Woman”), Lil Nas X (“INDUSTRY BABY”) and Beyonce (“SUMMER REAISSANCE”).

Entering its 10th year, the iHeartRadio Music Awards selects nominees based on a variety of criteria, including radio airplay, digital media, clicks on social media and streaming downloads, to properly engage with the growing and changing world of the music industry. Fan voting on social media can be a big influence on who takes home a prize, making it truly an awards show for the times. And the embracing of social media and the influence of digital communities is reflected in the awards presented at this event. Added to the list of traditional categories, this year’s event includes new additions such as TikTok Bop of the Year, Best Fan Army, Social Star Award and Favorite Use of a Sample.

Featuring live musical performances, celebrity presenters and a theater filled with music’s hottest current acts, the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards show is a night for all music fans to catch. The event airs live on Fox, Monday, March 27.

Legendary laughter: Comedy superstar, generational icon, basketball super-fan and movie critics’ most polarizing target Adam Sandler is the recipient of comedy’s most prestigious honor at the 24th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, airing Sunday, March 26, on CNN. One of America’s finest arts awards, named after the acclaimed humorist Mark Twain (the pen name of Samuel Clemens), recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th-century novelist and essayist.

This year it’s Sandler, one of Hollywood’s most successful comedic actors with a diverse range of on-screen roles from family entertainment to serious dramas, who is being celebrated for his profound influence on American comedy culture. The leading man of hit comedies such as “The Waterboy” (1998), “Happy Gilmore” (1996), “Murder Mystery” (2019) and many others has grossed over US$3 billion globally. Despite polarizing reception from critics, at times, for his comedic output, Sandler has consistently won praise for his dramatic efforts, highlighted by films including “Punch-Drunk Love” (2002), “The Meyerowitz Stories” (2017) and “Uncut Gems” (2019).

“Adam has created characters that have made us laugh, cry and cry from laughing,” Kennedy Center president Deborah F. Rutter said in a statement praising Sandler. “We are looking forward to celebrating his career at a ceremony that is sure to bring together the best in comedy and provide all the laughs.”

And a true lineup of comedy superstars are on hand to celebrate the star’s career and work, including former (and current) co-stars Jennifer Aniston (“Murder Mystery 2,” 2023), Drew Barrymore (“The Wedding Singer,” 1998), Steve Buscemi (“Airheads,” 1994) and David Spade (“The Do-Over,” 2016).

Don’t miss this emotional and hilarious celebration of a comedy icon when the 24th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor airs Sunday, March 26, on CNN.