Blige, Diamond set for Christmas in D.C.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Mary J. Blige, Neil Diamond, Sugarland, Rob Thomas and Usher have signed up to perform at the "Christmas in Washington" concert, TNT said.

Comedian George Lopez is to serve as host of the event, which is traditionally attended by the U.S. president and first lady.

The holiday musical celebration, which also benefits the National Children's Medical Center, is to be taped at the National Building Museum in Washington Dec. 13. It will be televised Dec. 20 on TNT.

"We take pride in presenting 'Christmas in Washington' each year as we bring together musical artists from a variety of genres for a fantastic holiday concert," Michael Wright, executive vice president/head of programming for TNT, TBS and TCM, said in a statement Thursday. "This year, we're especially thrilled to welcome a lineup of top-name performers and an equally amazing host, George Lopez. Together, they will make this a holiday celebration to remember."