They’ve had some pretty great concerts in the East Room during the Obama administration. But tonight’s “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of American Creativity” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) has a the fuzziest theme: “celebrating the cultural resonance of art and literature in unique American musical forms.”
The real idea is to mark the 50th anniversary of the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act.
Whatever the reason, it brings James Taylor to sing Buddy Holly, and then joining Keb’ Mo to sing Hank Williams. Also Buddy Guy, MC Lyte and Smokey Robinson doing their own songs; Carol Burnett reading a Dorothy Parker poem, Esperanza Spalding doing “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” Usher doing a pair of Marvin Gaye songs with Trombone Shorty. And Brian Stokes Mitchell joins Audra McDonald doing something from “Ragtime.” And President Obama introduces the program, taped way back on Oct. 14.
Last year’s production of “Cinderella” (Starz, 8 p.m.), starring the former Lady Rose on “Downton Abbey,” whose Daisy (Sophie McShera) is one of her step sisters. Also on hand are Cate Blanchett and Helena Bonham Carter.
Add to the reality TV geography of “Temptation Island” and (the fictional) “Milf Island” the new “Ex Isle” (We, 10 p.m.) in which ex-couples try to end their relationships for good in the Dominican Republic, where, as in Temptation Island,” new singles will visit to offer something different. What’s more, Carmen Electra hosts.
Deviled eggs are one of the challenges on the two hour “MasterChef Junior” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
Still live; not yet dead: “Undatable” (NBC, 8 p.m.), with a guest appearance by Whitney Cummings.
Dr. Oz makes an appearance on “Dr. Ken” (ABC, 8:30 p.m.).
What rhymes with Atlanta? Rappers have to write a rap about the city on “The Rap Game” (Lifetime, 10 p.m.).
The Muscle Maker Grill chairman checks up on salesmen on “Undercover Boss” (CBS, 8 p.m.)
A half dozen movies about ex-cons are on Turner Classic Movies tonight with the original “Cape Fear” (8 p.m.), “The Kiss of Death” (10 p.m.), “Invisible Stripes” (midnight), “Straight Time” (1:30 a.m.), “Shockproof” (3:30 a.m.) and “The Long Memory” (5 a.m.).
NBA action includes Cleveland at Minnesota (ESPN, 8 p.m.) and Oklahoma City at Lakers (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.).
Men’s college basketball includes Buffalo at Kent State (CBS Sports, 6:30 p.m.), Valparaiso at Oakland (ESPN2, 7 p.m.), Western Michigan at Akron (ESPNU, 7 p.m.), Illinois-Chicago at Detroit (ESPNU, 9 p.m.) and Utah at Colorado (Fox Sports 1, 9 p.m.).
Women’s games include Tulsa at Temple (ESPNU, 5 p.m.), Xavier at Creighton (Fox Sports 1, 7 p.m.) and Connecticut at Houston (ESPN2, 9 p.m.).
But there’s college hockey too, with Western Michigan at Notre Dame (NBC Sports, 7:30 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Tyler Perry, Dr. Ian Smith. The View: Timothy Omundson, Karen David. The Talk: Tom Cavanagh, Anne Burrell. Ellen DeGeneres: Eva Longoria, Bob Harper. Wendy Williams: Hoda Kotb, Matt Roush. The Real: Isaih Mustafa, Bevy Smith. Meredith Vieira: Hoda Kotb, Grant Kemmerer.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Matthew Broderick, Sarah Parcak, Kacey Musgraves. Jimmy Kimmel: Jennifer Lopez, Ben Higgins, Tori Kelly (rerun). Jimmy Fallon: Tyler Perry, Wagner Moura, Iliza Schlesinger. Seth Meyers: Viola Davis, Allison Tolman, the Scottos, Emily Armstrong (rerun). James Corden: Chris Hardwick, Lewis Hamilton, Cage the Elephant (rerun). Carson Daly: Rachel Bloom. Tavis Smiley: James Taylor.