Not so long ago, musical variety was thought dead on network television. Competitions, and the time of year, have instead brought five big music extravaganzas on a single night.
“The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2013” (The CW, 8 p.m.) from New York’s Madison Square Garden, features Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Fall Out Boy, Selena Gomez, Jason Derulo, Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias, Ariana Grande, Fifth Harmony and Austin Mahone.
“Home for the Holidays with Celine Dion” (CBS, 8 p.m.) features the Canadian singer who also appeared on “The Voice” finale, headlining the annual concert that promotes adoption, along with Ne’Yo and, court cases willing, Chris Young.
“Michael Buble’s 3rd Annual Christmas Special” (NBC, 10 p.m.) features that crooner, joined by Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey and the Cookie Monster, who has already starred in Lady Gaga’s holiday special.
Meanwhile, it’s finale week on “The X Factor” (Fox, 8 p.m.) and they’re down to the final three episodes of “The Sing-Off” (NBC, 8 p.m.) as well. Both are two hours long.
Since she’s retiring, it may be the last group of “The 10 Most Fascinating People of the Year” (ABC, 9:30 p.m.) for Barbara Walters, who often looks like she’s only just heard of some of the people she introduces. Already announced for the group are Jennifer Lawrence, Miley Cyrus, Robin Roberts, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, the Royal baby, the “Duck Dynasty” crew and Edward Snowden. And the No. 1 most fascinating person for Walters? Maybe just Babs herself.
Drummer Questlove of The Roots is used to working with drum sticks. But as guest on “Top Chef” (Bravo, 10 p.m.), he’s eating them.
I don’t believe there has been much out there promoting this film. So there is possibily a real need for “The E! Entertainment Special – Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” (E!, 9 p.m.), whose cast also happens to show up on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central, 11 p.m.).
Another new standup special “Kathy Griffin: Record Breaker” (Bravo, 8 p.m.), has the comedienne boning up for her New Year’s Eve gig from a stage in San Antonio.
The month-long Wednesday night showcase of Fred Astaire continues on Turner Classic Movies with “The Broadway Melody of 1940” (8 p.m.), “Easter Parade” (10 p.m.), “Royal Wedding” (midnight), “A Damsel in Distress” (2 a.m.) and “Finian’s Rainbow” (3:45 a.m.).
NBA action includse Indiana at Miami (ESPN, 7 p.m.) and Chicago at Houston (ESPN, 9:30 p.m.). In hockey, it’s Penguins at Rangers (NBC Sports Network, 8 p.m.).
Men’s college hoops includes Texas at North Carolina (ESPN2, 7 p.m.), North Carolina State at Tennessee (ESPNU, 7 p.m.), San Francisco at St. John’s (Fox Sports 1, 8 p.m.), LSU at Texas Tech (ESPNU 9 p.m.) and Stanford at Connecticut (ESPN2, 9 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Paul Rudd, Bradley Cooper, Daniel Boulud. The View: Bill O’Reilly, Il Volo, Carnie Wilson. The Talk: Nick Lachey, Il Volo, Carnie Wilson. Ellen DeGeneres: Julia Roberts, Julia Roberts, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Martha Stewart. Wendy Williams: Rachel Madow, Lloyd Boston.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Ben Stiller, Brett Dennen. Jay Leno: Christina Applegate, Kevin Nealon, Tessane Chin. Jimmy Kimmel: Tim Robbins, Bill Simmons, Jalen Rose, Haim. Jimmy Fallon: Billy Crystal, Evan Rachel Wood, Cher Lloyd with Skee-Lo (rerun). Craig Ferguson: Natasha Lyonne, Michael Connelly. Carson Daly: Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman, Tame Impala, the Melodic (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Julius Erving. Jon Stewart: Steve Carell, Will Ferrell, David Koechner, Paul Rudd. Stephen Colbert: Keanu Reeves, Aaron Neville. Arsenio Hall: Cast of “Single Ladies,” Kevin Smith, Bernard Hopkins, Prentice Powell. Conan O’Brien: Jennifer Lawrence, Bob Odenkirk, Bad Religion. Chelsea Handler: James Marsden, Greg Fitzsimmons, Fortune Feimster, Gary Valentine.