U.S. President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the Kennedy Center Honors Reception at the White House in Washington December 4, 2011. Sitting next to him are (L-R) Broadway actress Barbara Cook, singer and songwriter Neil Diamond, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, jazz musician Sonny Rollins and actress Meryl Streep. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas (UNITED STATES – Tags: POLITICS ENTERTAINMENT)