Tony nominee Vanessa Williams hosted the 41st annual PBS broadcast of A Capitol Fourth, celebrating America’s 245th Independence Day. In lieu of the traditional live concert on the Capitol’s West Lawn, this year’s performances were recorded, but the fireworks were live. In addition to Williams, the evening featured a number of stage performers, including Tony winners Cynthia Erivo and Ali Stroker (who sang “A Million Dreams” from the film The Greatest Showman) and Tony nominees Renée Fleming and Laura Osnes (who sang the Gershwin film classic “Our Love Is Here to Stay” from The Goldwyn Follies).
Also on the roster were Broadway headliner Jennifer Nettles (who sang “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” from Oklahoma!, accompanied by Broadway Inspirational Voices) and Moana star Auli’i Cravalho (who sang “A Whole New World” from Aladdin).
Other musical film and stage songs were offered by the a cappella group Pentatonix (who sang “Seasons of Love” from Rent) and by Kermit the Frog (who sang the Oscar-nominated “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie).