Who will be serenading America at this year's 'A Capitol Fourth' telecast?
Donald Trump may be planning a Salute to America at the Lincoln Memorial on July 4, but the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol is still home to the first name in Independence Day parties: A Capitol Fourth. The long-running PBS telecast celebrates its 39th anniversary as the nation’s premiere (and distinctly non-partisan) Fourth of July event, and the show will go on independent of what happens elsewhere in the nation’s capital.
As of now, details about the White House’s own controversial celebration — which has already resulted in Washington D.C.’s grand fireworks display having to relocate from its usual home by the Washington Monument — remain sketchy, with the Trump himself teasing via tweet the possibility of live entertainment and a Presidential address. But the producers of A Capitol Fourth have their lineup ready to go, and Yahoo Entertainment can exclusively reveal the list of performers who will taking the stage alongside returning emcee — and still America’s coolest uncle — John Stamos on Thursday, July 4 at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT).
As always, the evening’s entertainment is underscored by Jack Everly and the National Symphony Orchestra, who will accompany The Voice Season 16 winner, Maelyn Jarmon, as she performs the National Anthem. And because the Fourth of July truly brings everyone together — even decorated veterans of singing competition shows — American Idol champion, Laine Hardy, will be performing on the West Lawn stage, as well as America’s Got Talent dynamo, Angelica Hale.
When they’re not entertaining the crowd, those three relative newcomers will have the opportunity to watch some music powerhouses at work, starting with multi-platinum recording artists Vanessa Williams and Vanessa Carlton. Williams, of course, also has plenty of Broadway experience, while Carlton will be treading the boards for the first time as the incoming star of the Carole King musical, Beautiful. The cast of that Tony-award winning show, and King herself, will be joining Carlton onstage. Speaking of musicals, fans of The Greatest Showman will be ready for breakout “This Is Me” belter Keala Settle to rock the capital. And don’t think Stamos is planning to sit out the musical portion of the evening: The Full House star will join the MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band to pay tribute to America’s servicemen and women.
Other performers featured during the telecast include electronic violinist Lindsey Stirling, country star Lee Brice, folk-pop singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat alongside her new band, Gone West and gospel artist Yolanda Adams. And if you’re looking for yet another way that A Capitol Fourth is unlike any other Independence Day celebration, we’ve got two words for you: Sesame. Street. Jim Henson’s beloved series has been educating America’s kids for 50 years and counting, and the show’s colorful cast — from Abby Cadabby to Rosita — will perform a special Fourth of July-themed medley sure to delight the young and young-at-heart. Just remember: “C” is for cookie... but this year, it’s also for A Capitol Fourth.
A Capitol Fourth airs July 4 at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT) on PBS.
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