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CNN Live Event/Special
Star-Studded Fourth Of July Musical Special. Aired 9-10p ET
Aired July 04, 2020 - 21:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[21:00:00]
DON LEMON, CNN HOST: Welcome back everyone to our very special coverage of the Fourth in America. Dana, the fireworks are about to begin.
DANA BASH, CNN HOST: They sure are. And we have cameras positioned all over Washington dawn. They are going to capture every angle of the more than 30 minute long firework show. You're going to see the view from Capitol Hill, looking toward the Potomac River. There's also a shot of the White House and some of the prominent monuments on the Mall.
We even have a camera on top of the Washington Monument. You'll also see the Lincoln Memorial from the reflecting pool. Isn't that cool?
LEMON: Yes.
BASH: And what can be better than a view from a boat? Right on the Potomac River? The answer is nothing. And finally, hi above Washington, you're going to see a beautiful Vista from Arlington, Virginia looking back at the Capitol. Pretty awesome, Don.
LEMON: I love Boot Camp, but that shot I mean Arlington, Virginia that shot looking at Washington is just beautiful. OK, so Dana, when Washington finishes, we're going to go to New York City, where this year celebrations a little bit different than in years past.
Incredible fireworks lit up the sky throughout the week here with no warning so people didn't know about it. They were shooting it all week and they're going to put this spectacular display together. That was intentional. And that was meant to prevent New Yorkers from gathering in large groups.
So tonight's live finale is a special surprise and you're going to see it right here in just minutes. I think Alison Kosik gave you a little bit of a hint moments ago, as the fireworks in Washington are about to begin. Let's start with the National Anthem. The National Anthem is performed by the United States Army Field Band and then a Choral Medley from the United States Navy Band.
(MUSIC)
[21:06:40]
BASH: And here we go the fireworks in Washington are just about to get underway. And as we watch them please enjoy special performances from the United States Marine Band and the United States Navy Band.
(MUSIC & FIREWORKS)
[21:13:56]
LEMON: Incredible, incredible, we are just getting started here. Up next too incredible performances, the O'JAYS will join us to sing their hit love train and you will not want to miss CeCe Winans. CeCe Winans audition of Lift Every Voice and Sing. So I have to tell you this, don't turn away because the fireworks will continue on your screen during this break. So don't go anywhere. We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[21:18:10]
(MUSIC & FIREWORKS)
[21:21:22]
CECE WINANS: Hello America. My name is CeCe Winans and what a night this has been. As we continue to celebrate, may we never forget that together we stand but divided we fall. My prayer is that God would bless America and bring healing to this nation.
(MUSIC & FIREWORKS)
LEMON: Wow, wow, wow. CeCe Winans is a natural life singer, took us to church just now that was an incredible, incredible performance.
I told you we had it all for you here on CNN Tonight. So we want to thank them and thank the O'JAYS (ph) too.
You know what, this spectacular fireworks display will continue next. You don't want to miss the finale in Washington.
[21:25:00]
And then ahead, New York City will not disappoint. Of course, we're going to see those in just moments. Harlem Gospel Choir is here too. And still ahead Country Music Star, Martina McBride.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BASH: And now the finale here in Washington accompanied by the New York Philharmonic.
(MUSIC & FIREWORKS)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[21:35:00]
BASH: Absolutely incredible. The finale is still going on here in Washington, D.C. I got to say, I have been here in Washington for a very long time. I went to the George Washington University. I've lived here my whole adult life. I have been down to the mall before, but I don't remember seeing a display like this.
Maybe it's this is just because this is what we all needed, to have this moment of celebration and beauty, and reverence for what this day is. And just to be able to take a breath. And, Don, I can't believe this is my job. I get to sit here with this vista overlooking the White House and just taking it all in.
And we're able to do it and show it to America, as we've been saying, so that they can stay home safely. Or if they're in a place where fireworks are canceled, they can still celebrate the Fourth of July, the way it is supposed to be celebrated by watching these fantastic displays.
LEMON: I mean, it's really amazing to look at. And, you know, there aren't as many people out on the mall watching it, Dana. But, I mean, you've been watching the D.C. fireworks for longer than I have. I've been a New Yorker for a while, so I watch these. Has it ever been this long? Have they ever had fireworks last this long for the Fourth of July in D.C.?
BASH: You know, they last a long time, I have to say, but, you know, you never know what kind of weather you're going to get. Today, it's perfect. It's hot but it's perfect for this kind of display, to light up the sky the way these fireworks are still happening.
We were told it was going to be about 30 minutes and they kept true to their word. And it's not just a little bit here and there. I mean, it was full-on fireworks for this entire time. And as I said --
LEMON: Yes, it still is.
BASH: -- you really get all the feels. And it's still happening as we speak.
LEMON: Yes. And I'm looking over my shoulder behind me. Look, check this out. This is the Empire State Building, let's look at that. The Empire State Building, fireworks for the first time. Do you see that?
BASH: That's incredible.
LEMON: You know, here in New York City, they have been doing the fireworks display for -- look at that, there's Washington, D.C. But they have been doing the fireworks display for the entire week now, doing small displays in each borough, and not letting people know that they were doing it, and then taping it, so that you can have this big display on the Fourth of July. So here we go.
[21:40:12]
Yes. So we're going to get straight to the New York fireworks that we have been talking about now. These are the best shots from this week's displays all across New York City, accompanied by the music from the New York Philharmonic and the late great Frank Sinatra.
(FIREWORKS DISPLAY)
(MUSIC PLAYING)
LEMON: That was the best, New York City, with old blue eyes, "New York, New York." Don't go anywhere, lots more of fireworks ahead. Look at the Empire State Building, so gorgeous. We're going to have the Harlem Gospel Choir still to come, as well. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[21:50:57]
LEMON: And welcome back, everyone. The New York fireworks continue now. And we have a very special performance with the Harlem Gospel Choir.
(FIREWORKS DISPLAY)
(MUSIC PLAYING)
[21:55:00]
LEMON: And when we comeback, Kenny Loggins sings two of his biggest hits, and a song from the turbulent '60s that still resonates today. Jesse Colin Young is going to joined by amazingly talented and super cute kids, plus the fireworks are far from over. Jacksonville, Houston, Springfield, Illinois, they're all coming up in just minutes.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
