DETROIT – “The Ford Fireworks,” one of Detroit’s most cherished annual events, was celebrated as a televised-only and online show - broadcast exclusively on WDIV-Local 4 and live streamed on ClickOnDetroit.
This primetime special honored the city’s frontline workers and highlight Detroit’s local musical talent on Monday, August 31 from 8 to 10 p.m. Plus, there was a special performance from Lori Key, the metro Detroit nurse who made national headlines singing “Amazing Grace” during the height of the pandemic.
More: Behind the scenes of the 2020 Ford Fireworks secret location
Watch the fireworks show above and clips from the event below:
In response to this unprecedented time and with public safety as a top priority, the fireworks were not held downtown or viewable from the downtown area.
Like other major cities, this year’s fireworks were a pop-up display, at a location, which was not announced.
Devin Scillian and Kimberly Gill hosted the broadcast on top of WDIV-Local 4′s downtown studios with the fireworks going off in all their splendor on television and online.
Entertainers include:
Caleb Carroll: Known for his impressive vocal control and “million-dollar-smile,” 18-year-old Caleb Carroll is a talent beyond his years. A native of metro Detroit, Caleb has been singing since he was six years old. Detroit sports fans know Caleb from his many performances of the national anthem at Comerica Park.
Steffanie Christi’an is Tina Turner mixed with Rage Against The Machine and a dash of Alanis Morrisette. She’s performed with a range of artists including actor and DJ Idris Elba, hip-hop legend Talib Kweli, and techno trailblazers Inner City, whom she be joined on their world tour.
Ali McManus: Her vocals are often compared to Stevie Nicks and Dolly Parton. Born 3 months premature she was given a 50/50 chance to live. Now 22 years old, the Detroit born singer/songwriter has beaten the odds. Ali writes intimate original songs that reflect her life, aiming to connect with others through her lyrics and inspire with her story.
Lori Key: This April, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in metro Detroit, Lori became a viral inspiration as she sang “Amazing Grace” during her shift as a nurse. Her rendition has been viewed by millions.
Eric Gutman: For almost three years, he performed in the Tony and Grammy Award-winning sensation, Jersey Boys. With Broadway, off-Broadway and movie credits under his belt, Gutman moved home to Michigan where he wrote and starred in “From Broadway to Obscurity” which he has performed coast-to-coast to sold out audiences.
This year’s fireworks show is themed We Are One Together. “The Ford Fireworks” is produced by The Parade Company and is in its 62nd year as Detroit’s beloved summer tradition. The Parade Company selects the musical arrangement and works exclusively with Zambelli Fireworks to stage more than 10,000 pyrotechnic effects. For more information, please visit theparade.org.
How parents and teachers are working together during the pandemic:
Conversation with Tony Michaels:
Hear from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer:
Frontline workers embody the spirit of Detroit:
Postal workers positive attitudes show the spirit of Detroit:
Michael Ollier shows you how to make the perfect patty:
Culinary Wellness for Henry Ford Health Systems during pandemic: