This year’s “A Capitol Fourth” on PBS welcomes a brand new host, Emmy Award-winning television personality Tom Bergeron, of the hit TV series, “Dancing With the Stars.” Bergeron will lead an all-star cast, which includes “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips, acclaimed Broadway and television star Megan Hilty of NBC’s “Smash;” two-time Tony Award winner Matthew Broderick performing songs from the hit Broadway musical “Nice Work If You Can Get It” with four-time Tony nominee Kelli O’Hara; singer-songwriter and winner of “The Voice,” Javier Colon; country music star Josh Turner; R&B superstars Kool & The Gang; renowned tenor Russell Watson; actress and singer Amber Riley from "Glee"; the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly; eight-time Olympic medalist Apolo Anton Ohno will host a tribute to Team USA, honoring the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams, featuring five-time Academy Award-winner John Williams conducting his “Olympic Fanfare.”
This year’s “A Capitol Fourth” on PBS welcomes back host Tom Bergeron, the two-time Emmy Award-winning television personality (“Dancing With the Stars”), and stars music legend Barry Manilow. Back by popular demand following his powerful debut performance on the show in 2009, Manilow will lead an all-star cast, including Candice Glover, the Season 12 winner of “American Idol;” country music artist and “American Idol” winner Scotty McCeery; actor and singer Darren Criss (“Glee”); musical prodigy and classical crossover star Jackie Evancho; Broadway and television star Megan Hilty (“Smash”); Broadway’s new hit “Motown The Musical;” and five-time Academy Award-winner John Williams conducting music from the Oscar-winning blockbuster “Lincoln,” with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.
Host John Stamos joins The Beach Boys (because of course he does); The Four Tops, The Blues Brothers, Kellie Pickler, Yolanda Adams, Mark McGrath and Sofia Carson are also scheduled to perform.
On July Fourth, A Capitol Fourth, America’s National Independence Day celebration, honors our country’s birthday with an all-star salute. For over 40 years, this television event, featuring a parade of superstars — including Frankie Valli, Patti LaBelle, John Williams, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Reba McEntire, Carole King, Neil Diamond, Dolly Parton, Steve Martin, Josh Groban, Gloria Estefan, Huey Lewis and the News, Little Richard, Tony Bennett, Faith Hill, Ray Charles, the Bee Gees, Kenny G, Aaron Neville, Kenny Rogers and the Muppets from Sesame Street — has offered the best in American entertainment and helped set the tone for a spectacular American birthday party. This top-rated extravaganza features coverage from 20 cameras positioned around Washington, D.C., ensuring viewers are front and center for the greatest display of fireworks in the nation.
