MUSIC LEGENDS TONY BENNETT AND CHICAGO JOIN THE SPARKLING ROSTER OF STARS FOR NBC'S BROADCAST OF THE 72ND ANNUAL 'CHRISTMAS IN ROCKEFELLER CENTER' (NOVEMBER 30, 8-9PM ET)

HILARY DUFF, KENNY CHESNEY, CLAY AIKEN, JESSICA SIMPSON AND NICK LACHEY ALSO SLATED TO PERFORM

NEW YORK -- November 23, 2004 -- NBC has added music icon Tony Bennett and legendary rock 'n roll group Chicago to the list of sparkling performers for the network's 7th annual telecast of "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" (November 30 from 8-9pm ET). Bennett will perform a Christmas classic and Chicago will be the house band for both the local and national telecasts. "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" is hosted by Al Roker ("Today") and Nancy O'Dell ("Access Hollywood").

The star-studded musical lineup for the special will include a mix of current hits and favorite holiday music with performances by Hilary Duff, Kenny Chesney, Clay Aiken, Tony Bennett, Jessica Simpson, Nick Lachey, Chris Isaak, Michael Buble, Vanessa Williams, and The Radio City Rockettes. This year's house band will be Chicago. Selection of songs and additional talent will be announced in the coming days.

Prior to the airing of the network special, WNBC, NBC's New York flagship station, will broadcast an additional live hour of the special (7-8 p.m. ET). WNBC has been the home to the Rockefeller Center tree lighting, working with co-owner of Rockefeller Center, Tishman Speyer Properties.

Legendary performer and twelve-time Grammy winner, Tony Bennett has just released his latest CD, THE ART OF ROMANCE, on RPM Records/Columbia. He's the singer's singer and has received high praise from his colleagues through the years, including Frank Sinatra who stated unequivocally, "Tony Bennett is the best singer in the business." He is an international treasure who was honored by the United Nations with their "Citizen of the World" honor which aptly describes the scope of his accomplishments

Chicago, the legendary rock 'n roll band with horns, has written, recorded and performed some of the most popular and best loved songs in rock history. Since forming in 1967, the Grammy-winning group has sold more than 122,000,000 records and has been awarded 41 Gold and Platinum discs. The 2002 release of "The Very Best of Chicago: Only The Beginning" once again rocketed Chicago onto the charts, making them the only American rock band ever to chart Top 40 albums in five consecutive decades - a milestone accomplishment. This holiday season, fans will enjoy the Gold-selling Chicago Christmas: What's It Gonna Be Santa?, the band's terrific collection on holiday favorites.

"Christmas in Rockefeller Center" is produced for a national audience by WNBC and TWI, the television division of IMG (International Management Group). Steve Mayer and Adele Rifkin are executive producers, Bob Holmes is co-executive producer, Mike Mathis is event producer and Steve Grymes is Director.