NBC News’ “TODAY”, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker, will host NBC coverage of the reimagined January 1 parade with musical performances with stars and celebrity appearances
UNIVERSAL CITY, California – December 23, 2021 – NBC welcomes the new year with a special two-hour star “Celebrating The New Year at The Rose Parade presented by Honda,” featuring musical performances and special guests .
This year’s presentation, which airs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Jan. 1, will celebrate everything viewers have enjoyed about the Rose Parade, including its story, the participants, volunteers and of course the beautiful flowers. Most NBC affiliates will also air optional coverage of the parade from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Hoda Kotb, co-anchor of NBC News’ “TODAY” and co-host of “TODAY with Hoda and Jenna” and Al Roker, weather anchor of “TODAY,” will co-host NBC’s high-definition coverage.
The 2021 TV broadcast will mark Roker’s 24th year as host and Kotb’s eighth. NBC celebrates its 94th year by airing a television broadcast of Rose Parade, which began on radio in 1927 and then televised the popular annual event that began in 1954.
Grand Marshals Emeril Lagasse and Gary Sinise will appear in the special past of the Rose Parade, in this year’s reinvented special. Sinise, actor, director, producer and award-winning philanthropist, will open the show while chef, restaurateur, television personality and author Lagasse will share memories of his time as grand marshal in 2008.
The special will also feature performances by bands and exciting segments related to Rose Parade, featured special Rose Bowl football games, equestrian, floats from years past and a behind-the-scenes look at making a float.
This year’s new year celebration will feature musical performances by new Grammy Award winner Sheryl Crow; Grammy-nominated country and historical singer-songwriter Mickey Guyton; singer-songwriter Tori Kelly, winner of several Grammys; Lady A, a multi-platinum country trio, seven-time Grammy winner; the most award-winning group of countries of the last decade, Rascal Flatts; and the soulful husband and wife duo and singer of Nashville, War and Treaty.
Celebrity guest appearances will include multi-award winning singer, songwriter, actor and producer Daddy Yankee; actress Shanola Hampton; Olympic gold and silver medal and former Grand Marshal Laurie Hernandez; former NFL player and Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart; multi-award winning actress and former Grand Marshal Rita Moreno; actress Dascha Polanco; and the Los Angeles Dodgers who broadcast the Vin Scully legend.
Roker and Kotb will host the parade amid an impressive cascade of flowers, designed by Lewis Miller. Miller’s popular “Flower Flash” installations throughout New York City have earned him notoriety and praise for his beauty and creativity. For more information, visit www.lewismillerdesign.com.
While the new year is a time of celebration, there are also many children and families facing extraordinary challenges. At key moments of the show, including one with a special message from Jennifer Garner, viewers will have the opportunity to donate to Red Nose Day at www.rednoseday.org.
The money raised during the broadcast will support programs that ensure children who need it are safe, healthy, educated, and capable throughout the United States and around the world.
In recent years, more than 700,000 spectators have lined up the route for the five-and-a-half-mile parade in Pasadena, but this year spectators will enjoy the scenery from home.
“The New Year’s Celebration of The Rose Parade presented by Honda” is produced by LX.TV, a production unit of NBC television stations.