The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts says Stephen Colbert will host this year's Kennedy Center Honors, bringing a new touch to the annual awards show.
The center announced Wednesday that Colbert will host the program on Dec. 7. It will be broadcast Dec. 30 on CBS. Colbert will succeed David Letterman on CBS' "Late Show" in 2015.
This year's Kennedy Center honorees are Tom Hanks, Sting, Al Green, comedian Lily Tomlin and ballerina Patricia McBride.
Colbert joked that he was he stunned to receive the honor at such a young age. Then he corrected himself, saying it makes more sense for him to host the show rather than receive the award.
Walter Cronkite hosted for more than 20 years, followed by Caroline Kennedy. Glenn Close hosted last year.