[applause] itzhak perlman. [applause] a teacher, conductor and one of the greatest violinist of our time, itzhak perlman has brought joy to millions. new artistuntless and earned adoration from global audiences. born in israel, he has devoted his life to sharing his love of music. from tel aviv to shanghai, from london to moscow, he has served as one of the world's most cherished cultural ambassadors. as well as a tireless advocate for the disabled. itzhak perlman's heartfelt performances on stage and dedicated efforts to educate the next generation will continue to enrich the human symphony. [applause] the honorable william ruckelshaus. [applause] from his time as an army drill sergeant to his service at the highest levels of government, william ruckelshaus has served our nation with dedication and integrity. the first administrator of the environmental protection agency, government's efforts to help community struggling with contaminated rivers and polluted cities. he returned to the home to carry forward its

itzhak perlman.er] teacher, conductor, brought joy to millions and earned adoration from global audiences, born in israel he has devoted his life to sharing his love of music and has served as one of the most cherished cultural ambassadors as well as a tireless advocate for the disabled. his heart felt performances on stage will continue to enrich the human symphony. [applause] the honorable warrior the rockefeller. [applause] [applause] [applause] [applause] stephen sondheim. [applause] [laughter] [laughter] >> master of the american musical. each meticulously wrought many grappling with the dark urges committee at their full of energy sustained by melody and brilliant turn of phrase including many of our missions best loved most frequently staged musicals. he has forever left his mark on the american stage. [applause] steven spielberg. [applause] [applause] [applause] barbra streisand. as a philanthropist, she encourages others to use their own forced to make a difference. [applause] [applause] >>

in an interview, violinist itzhak perlman was once asked what sound he loves.is eyes lit up, and he replied, "the sound of onions sizzling in a pan." [laughter] is a man of large appetites who knows how to live. he also happens to be a pretty good musician, and he persevered through childhood polio to become not only a virtuoso, but also a powerful advocate for people with disabilities. he has played with every major orchestra in the world, conducted many of them, taught generations of young musicians. he has won grammies, emmys, he has performed with the greats, leonard bernstein, yo-yo ma, telly from "sesame street." [laughter] but what truly sets them apart and what perhaps makes him the greatest violinist of our time is that he approaches music the way he approaches everything in life, with passion and with joy. he lays bare the soul of a piece, and by doing so he makes the world a little more beautiful. i'm proud to call the next honoree a friend as well. the truth is, a lot of people say that about james taylor. that's what happens when you spend four dec

among this year's 17 medal of freedom nominees, willie mays musicians itzhak perlman, barbra streisand, mes taylor including gloria and emilio estefan and filmmaker steven spielberg. >> a good group of people. >>> well deserved. a new champion was crowned on abc's "dancing with the stars." >>> on the final night, 17-year-old bindi irwin got a perfect score, but so did backstreet boy nick carter who earned perfect scores from the judges monday night, b but the f votes put the mirrorball trophy in bindi's hands. the teen has been a crowd favorite from really the start. she, nick and alek skarlatos will be live in times square later on "gma." >> ionder what she's going to do next. where does she go from here? >> i don't know, i mean, she's so young. she has such a bright future. >> 1 >> she should do dancing. >> yeah. >> she's very good. >>> still ahead, a consumer alert. e. coli infections linked to a popular product at costco. >> plus, break overnight an nfl player shot while sitting in a car. the details st coming in. >>> and caught on camera, a dramatic moment during demolition. excav

of freedom.steven spielberg, barbra streisand, stephen sondhiem, gloria and emilio estefan and itzhak perlman were all honored for their contributions to american culture.president obama said many americans consider james taylor "a friend".(sot: barack obama / president of the united states)"that's what happens when you spend four decades telling people 'just call out my name and i'll come running'." (laughter) ------------------------- ------------------------- --------------------- (narr:) jennifer lawrence is on the cover of entertainment weekly - as "entertainer of the year." she's currently starring in the final movie in the hunger games franchise ... and lawrence is in another david o. russell film, out on christmas day. ------------------------ ------------------------- ---------------------- (narr:) "full house" star, john stamos, has avoided the big house.stamos was sentenced to probation after pleading no contest to driving under the influence of a drug earlier this year. ------------------------ ------------------------- ---------------------- (narr:) the revival of "noises off" -