Broadcasting legend Dick Clark was honored at the 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Sunday night.

Ryan Seacrest kicked off the tribute with a nod to "American Bandstand," the durable musical variety show that ran from 1952 to 1989.  Clark, 80, hosted from 1957 onward, and featured a who's who of celebrated musicians on the show, from Madonna to the Beach Boys to Janet Jackson.

The accolades continued with kind words from Clark's celeb pals.

"Without 'Bandstand,' without Dick, there would be no 'American Idol,'" Simon Cowell said.

Barry Manilow joked, "The first time you and I met was when I debuted 'Mandy' on 'American Bandstand' in 1821."

Donny Osmond called Clark "an inspiration" who always puts entertainment before celebrity.

Osmond's sister, Marie, along with Tony Orlando, Chubby Checker, the cast of hit musical "Jersey Boys" and R&B group The Spinners, honored Clark with live performances.  They followed with a group number of "Bandstand Boogie," the "Bandstand" theme which Manilow wrote.

With his arm around Clark, Seacrest said, "I personally want to thank you for all that you've done for our industry, for music and for me."

Clark was overcome with emotion as the crowd came to its feet.  

In recent years, Clark has continued hosting his "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" in New York City.  In 2004, Regis Philbin substituted while Clark was recovering from the stroke that's left part of Clark's face paralyzed, as well as his voice shaky.  Seacrest began co-hosting the annual special with Clark in 2005.

Check out Sunday's heartstring-tugging scenes below: