A musical and action treat from Dave

MANILA, Philippines - Tom Cruise leads the guests along with Harry Connick Jr. on The Late Show with David Letterman. Other holiday highlights this week include appearances by presidential candidate Jon Huntsman, Scott Van Pelt and the Annual Holiday Show with Jay Thomas with musical guests Darlene Love, J. Cole and Mariachi El Bronx.

Tom reprises his role as Ethan Hunt in the Mission Impossible franchise on Dec. 30 and talks filming the death-defying stunts in Ghost Protocol and the worries of wife Katie Holmes. And with his distinctive voice and signature grit, soul and funk, Anthony Hamilton performs the lead single Woo from his fifth album Back to Love.

Harry promotes On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, a musical comedy of a reincarnated woman with ESP and her relationship with a psychiatrist tomorrow, Dec. 21 as ESPN radio and TV personality Scott Van Pelt talks sports. Plus, the Bronx band’s alter ego Mariachi El Bronx brings its very own brand of Mexican-inspired punk with Norteno Lights from the band’s self-titled album.

Former governor of Utah and 2012 GOP presidential hopeful Jon explains why he will not participate in the debate moderated by Donald Trump on Dec. 22. Also, German-born American rapper, singer and record producer J. Cole continues his hot streak during 2011 with his chart-topping, critically-acclaimed debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story and the album’s lead single Can’t Get Enough.

The actor, writer, comedian and rapper Donald Glover takes aim at black machismo and homophobia with his rap alter ego, Childish Gambino on Dec. 23. As Gambino, watch Glover explore his every behavioral tic, trait and hang-up as well as let great shafts of light on to everyone else’s. As hip-hop belly-fluff examination goes, you won’t find better this year.

On Dec. 24, a holiday tradition returns when Jay Thomas comes back to participate in the show’s annual holiday quarterback challenge. And 25 years after she first performed it on Letterman’s Late Night show on Dec. 16, 1986, singer Darlene Love will perform her classic Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), backed as always by musical director Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra.   

Catch the Late Show With David Letterman Tuesdays to Saturdays at 2 to 3 p.m. via satellite with next day replays at 1 a.m. on TALKtv – Ch. 16 on SkyCable, Ch. 28 on Destiny and Ch. 21 on VHF.