When President Obama presents his first State of the Union address tonight at 9pm, aides said he would accept responsibility, though not necessarily blame, for failing to deliver swiftly on some of the changes he promised a year ago. But he will not, aides said, accede to criticism that his priorities are out of step with the nation’s.

The nation’s capital got in the holiday spirit when music legends Neil Diamond and Mary J. Blige performed for President Barack Obama at the annual “Christmas in Washington” concert. The special airs December 20 on TNT.

Soul singer and Oscar winner <strong>Jennifer Hudson</strong> will perform at the <strong>White House state dinner</strong> Tuesday night, a representative at her label, <strong>Arista Records</strong>, says.<!--more-->