Bushes attend Ford Theater taping

WASHINGTON, June 25 (UPI) -- President and Laura Bush beat the summer heat by attending a taping of the Ford's Theater Gala, which traditionally airs on U.S. TV in December.

The Bushes and other guests were serenaded Sunday night by country star Wynnona Judd, Australian pop star Olivia Newton-John, Yolanda Adams and Jon Secada. Comic Christopher Titus, actor James Pickens Jr. and ballroom dancers Jonathon Roberts and Karina Smirnoff also joined in the festivities.

Titus gently chided the president, calling him "hoss" and wondering, since his manager said he was performing before the most powerful couple in the world, if Bono and Oprah Winfrey were in the house.

The special, which also includes Bush giving a short speech about the history of the theater, will be broadcast around Christmas.