Planning of the 41st annual concert has been underway for many months for a pre-recorded show due to the pandemic with a live fireworks presentation, instead of the traditional live concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The nation's 245th birthday celebration features Vanessa Williams hosting and performing from Washington, D.C. All-new pre-taped performances from locations across the country features top stars from pop, country, R&B, classical, and Broadway. 
They include: Jimmy Buffett, performing the world premiere of his new version of "This Land is Your Land;" Cynthia Erivo from Southern California; Alan Jackson from the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville; Pentatonix overlooking the downtown Los Angeles skyline; Jennifer Nettles from the famed Town Hall in NYC's Times Square with the Broadway Inspirational Voices; Auli'i Cravalho in Queens, NY, from the Unisphere; Train overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco; and Gladys Knight from Washington, DC. Renée Fleming opens the show performing the national anthem, and later Christopher Jackson performs "My Country ‘Tis of Thee." Other performers include Mickey Guyton, Ali Stroker, Jimmie Allen, and Laura Osnes. Kermit the Frog helps host and gives a special performance.
The National Symphony Orchestra conducted Jack Everly performs John Williams' inspiring composition "Olympic Fanfare" in tribute to Team USA, honoring the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams preparing for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Also honored are the men and women of our military and their families for their contributions to our nation and their dedication to service. The concert tradition of a rousing Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" with the National Symphony Orchestra and The Joint Armed Forces Chorus accompanies the fireworks. Also participating are members of the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own," the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The Joint Armed Forces Chorus, and The Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.