Country and Rock Artists Unite for 9/11 Memorial Broadcast
The annual 9/11 Tribute in Light will be broadcast live for the first time on ABC, featuring performances by Lainey Wilson, John Ondrasik, and Cyndi Lauper. The event marks the 25th anniversary of the 2001 terror attacks. The performances will take place at the base of the iconic double beams in Lower Manhattan.
The special will stream across several Disney-owned platforms, with anchoring duties shared by prominent news figures. The twin light beams have served as a recurring visual memorial since 2002, projecting a glow visible from far away.
Ondrasik's ballad, released shortly before the attacks, later gained widespread recognition as an anthem. He previously delivered it at a large-scale New York benefit concert that featured rock icons and hip-hop stars.
This cross-genre musical collaboration could foster a shared sense of collective remembrance among diverse audiences, potentially bridging generational and cultural divides. By broadcasting live, the event may expand the memorial's reach beyond New York, allowing viewers nationwide to participate. The inclusion of artists like Lauper and Wilson might also draw younger listeners to the historical significance, reinforcing communal resilience.