"Tony Bennett: An American Classic," 7 p.m., NBC. Some immense talents combine for an hour of gorgeous television. Tony Bennett is in strong voice at 80. Some of his duet partners — John Legend, Michael Buble and a booming Christina Aguilera — are two generations younger. Just as impressive is director Rob Marshall. In the past, he's done great work with "Chicago" and "Memoirs of a Geisha." Now he gives each song its own setting. Bennett and friends seem to be in an old New York jazz club one moment, a Las Vegas casino or a classic TV show the next. Each number is beautifully filmed. And the duet partners are A-list. They include Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder, k.d. lang and more.

"American Music Awards," 7 p.m., ABC. Jimmy Kimmel hosts, introducing a night strong on women. Performers include Beyonce, Carrie Underwood, Nelly Furtado, Gwen Stefani and the Dixie Chicks. There's more, including Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Josh Groban and Rascal Flatts.

OF NOTE

"Standoff," 7 p.m., Fox. In the aftermath of a hostage crisis, the victim (Elizabeth Reaser) seems to obsess on Matt (Ron Livingston). This worries Emily (Rosemarie DeWitt), who is his partner both on and off the job. That leads to a complex and well-told story.

"Nova ScienceNow," 8 p.m., PBS. "Nova" steps into its occasional magazine format. Reports range from the 1918 flu epidemic to a look ahead to the creation of sociable robots.

"House," 8 p.m., Fox. Dr. House created huge problems by stealing a prescription pad from his friend Wilson and forging his name. Now Wilson has lost his authorization to prescribe drugs. Meanwhile, House tries to help a teenager — sole supporter for his family — who has an apparent heart attack.

"Law & Order: Criminal Intent," 8 p.m., NBC. A former child star has been killed. The investigation shows he may have been linked to drugs and mobsters.

"Everest: Beyond the Limit," 8 p.m., Discovery Channel. In last week's opener we met an intriguing team of climbers. One has two artificial legs; another has asthma, but he plans to climb without oxygen. Others include a doctor, a firefighter whose previous attempt failed and a beefy, 6-feet-5-inch biker, considered by some to be too large for climbing. Tonight, attention focuses on the biker, a buoyant spirit who has already survived a near-fatal road accident. He tries to convince people he can climb Mount Everest.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. A painful case involving foster children causes Detective Dani Beck (Connie Nielsen) to reconsider her life choices.