Stars Gather to Recognize Oprah and Paul McCartney at the Kenney Center Honors

Music legend Paul McCartney and talk show queen Oprah Winfrey sat side-by-side as they were both recognized at the Kennedy Center Honors on December 5th. INSIDE EDITION has more.

Oprah Winfrey was the belle of the ball as the President and First Lady led a standing ovation in her honor.

"I'm proud of you, I love you, congratulations!" said presenter Julia Roberts.

Some of the world's biggest stars traveled to Washington, D.C. to fete the queen of talk at the Kennedy Center Honors. Even John Travolta showed up just two weeks after the birth of his new baby boy.

And what made the experience even more special for Oprah was being honored with her childhood idol, Paul McCartney.

Oprah has called the Beatles icon her "crush" and told INSIDE EDITION she couldn't wait to take her seat beside him.

"It's the wedding I will never have!" she joked.

"Oprah said she's a longtime fan of yours, what's it like to be honored with her tonight?" INSIDE EDITION's Les Trent asked McCartney on the red carpet.

"I'm a longtime fan of hers, She's great, she's very cute, I've got to know her over the years, she's a great lady," McCartney said.

Oprah's longtime boyfriend Stedman Graham was seated behind her, and best friend Gayle King was also in the audience.

There was one moment during Chris Rock's tribute to Oprah that drew cringes from the audience -- and it involved none other than Sarah Palin.

"Oprah Winfrey is powerful , so powerful, she made Sarah Palin almost read a book," Rock said.

Even famous actors and singers were reeling from all the star power at the event.

"I got to hang out with Oprah and Julia Roberts and Paul McCartney, it's one of those wild weekends when everyone is here," said Glee's Matthew Morrison.

Alec Baldwin told INSIDE EDITION, "When you see the people who showed up for the show, it's really amazing."

"This whole thing has been an ''OMG' moment, from the White House to everywhere, it's just crazy," said Steven Tyler.

And most exciting to Diana Ross and her youngest son was meeting President Obama. They called the experience "amazing."

The President experienced a tongue-twister during the festivities, thanks to the basketball injury to his lip that left him needing 12 stitches.

The First Lady looked stunning in a form-fitting gown by Naeem Khan.

Also honored were choreographer Bill T. Jones, country singer Merle Haggard, and composer Jerry Herman.