A Capitol Fourth 2025: Music, Military and American Magic!

A Capitol Fourth 2025: Music, Military and American Magic! The 45th annual special is set to be America's biggest (& best) party!

Look, I’m not usually one to get misty-eyed over patriotic parades, iconic American music medleys or synchronized flag twirling - actually, yes I am. That's why, every July 4th, like clockwork, I'm in D.C. watching PBS’s A Capitol Fourth - America’s biggest and best birthday bash live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

I've been at rehearsals for the show and let me tell you: 2025 will not disappoint.

This year marks the 45th annual celebration, and the lineup is stacked like hot dogs on a gourmet food truck. Hosted by the Fresh Prince of National Holidays himself, Alfonso Ribeiro, we're getting everything from country and classical to pop and gospel - and yes, there will be fireworks. A LOT of fireworks.

The standout lineup of performers:

• Yolanda Adams – The Four-time Grammy-winning gospel queen brings a voice from the heavens.
• Abi Carter – The American Idol Season 22 winner will be taking us to new heights.
• Lauren Daigle – Grammy-winning, chart-topping, soul-soothing singer has three songs on deck.
• LOCASH – Country’s favorite feel-good duo will be performing one of their bops and stepping in on a song to join...
• The Beach Boys – Yes, THE Beach Boys. They'll be taking us through some of their biggest hits from sea to shining sea.
• The Temptations – From Detroit to music history and once again back at A Capitol Fourth bringing some of their classic bops.
• Trombone Shorty – From New Orleans to DC, he's got a foot stomping, fun romping medley that is sure to be a highlight.
• Josh Turner – Brings his iconic voice to melt our hearts.
• The National Symphony OrchestraJack Everly, led by the incredible Jack Everly.

Now, I’m not saying I got emotional during the military tribute section… but I did have something in my eye for, like, 15 minutes. And I guarantee you that you will too. Because that’s what A Capitol Fourth does - it sneaks up on you in the best way. One minute you’re bopping to a medley of iconic American hits, and the next you’re crying because a soldier just hugged his toddler on national TV.

Also, I don’t know who choreographs the fireworks to the music every year, but give them a raise. Or at least a Target gift card. Because it's not just America's biggest fireworks - it's America's best fireworks.

In a world where so many of us can't even NOT argue over who's the best team (Philadelphia Phillies) or which series of Real Housewives is the best (New Jersey), A Capitol Fourth is one of those rare moments that reminds us what it feels like to be united. Music, fireworks, and even a little Carlton dance from Alfonso have the power to bring us together. And honestly? That’s always worth celebrating.

No matter where you're watching, A Capitol Fourth is ready to bring the celebration right to your screen. You can catch it live Friday, July 4 at 8p EST on PBS, YouTube and PBS.org with an encore presentation immediately following at 9:30p. If you're going to miss it live? First of all, rude. But secondly, you can stream it on demand from July 4th through July 18th.

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Happy birthday, America! You’re aging like a fine wine.

Check out Kyle McMahon and subscribe to the Pop Culture Weekly podcast. You can follow him on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok , Letterboxd and Instagram and check out his official Amazon Store.