Pop icon Cyndi Lauper is set to perform at the first-ever live broadcast of the "Tribute in Light," honoring the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. The event, scheduled for Friday, will feature the iconic projection of two blue beams at Ground Zero, symbolizing the Twin Towers.
Lauper, known for hits like "Time After Time" and "True Colors," will perform as the culmination of a national broadcast aimed at remembering victims and celebrating the resilience of those affected by the tragedy. The September 11 Memorial & Museum announced the details on Tuesday.
"I’m grateful to be a part of the 9/11 Tribute in Light. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 25 years," Lauper stated. "Like so many of us, I feel like it was just yesterday."
The Brooklyn-born singer recalled being outside the city on the morning of the attacks and the difficulty of returning to her family, a situation many were not afforded. "I am honored to sing for them, those that we lost, and the families and friends who remain, and for my city. We will never forget."
Joining Lauper for the "9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan" event will be country singer Lainey Wilson and John Ondrasik of the band Five For Fighting. The one-hour special is slated to air on Disney-associated platforms starting at 8 p.m., aligning with the annual illumination of the "Tribute in Light."
The broadcast will be hosted by ABC News anchors David Muir, Robin Roberts, and Diane Sawyer. Prior to this inaugural event, a separate program titled "Paying Tribute: Live from Lower Manhattan" will air, featuring stories of healing and resilience in the aftermath of 9/11.
In addition to the televised event, buildings across New York City's five boroughs and other locations nationwide will illuminate their facades and rooftops in blue to complement the "Tribute in Light" installation, as has become tradition in previous years.