The 90-minute program will air in the Metropolitan area on WNET/Thirteen from 8-9:30 PM ET; check local listings. Williams will perform "America the Beautiful" on the annual special, which will be hosted by Tony Award winner Joe Mantegna. Mantegna won his Tony for his performance in the original production of David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross, which is back on Broadway this season. Guests for the "National Memorial Day Concert" also include Trace Adkins, Harolyn Blackwell, Charles Durning and Gary Sinise. The broadcast will also feature a tribute to former host Ossie Davis, who passed away in February. Colin Powell will lead the salute to the late actor.

A Tony Award nominee for her role in Into the Woods, Vanessa Williams has also appeared on Broadway in Kiss of the Spider Woman and in the City Center Encores! production of St. Louis Woman. Williams' screen credits include roles in "Soul Food," "Eraser," "Dance with Me" and "Shaft." The singer-actress played the famed Palace Theatre this past December to celebrate the release of her seventh studio recording, "Silver & Gold."