David Archuleta, Reba McEntire & more Celebrate July 4th in D.C.

David Archuleta skyrocketed to fame on American Idol when he sang “Stand By Me” to a live audience of screaming teenage girls. And now, on July 4th he’ll be at the U.S. Capitol singing the same tune, only this time the song will be dedicated to the American troops, said Archuleta in an interview with DC on HEELS.

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We caught up with Archuleta during his rehearsal performance for the star-studded concert, A Capitol Fourth, a PBS special to broadcast live at 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 4.
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The queen of country, Reba McEntire, was also at the rehearsal gearing up for her July 4 performance, where she will be honored with the National Artistic Achievement Award in recognition of her contributions to American music.
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The concert is hosted by Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor Jimmy Smits.
Smits is not only a talented actor, but a really chill and down-to-earth kind of guy — as Vanessa and I found out backstage.
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Also performing at the rehearsal was classical pianist, Lang Lang. The 28-year-old musical phenom has performed at The Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall (and almost everywhere else in between). He told me it was “Practice, practice, practice!” that got him there.
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And as the rehearsal got off to an upbeat start… the crowd started growing.
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They were all there to get a glimpse of the patriotic performances.
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The couple above — married for 30 years — told DC on HEELS they drove all the way down from Rhode Island just to see David Archuleta perform.
Executive Producer Jerry Colbert reflects on producing concerts in Washington D.C. for more than three decades. The concert is a free public event that also raises funds for public TV.
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The gates to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol open at 3 p.m. for anyone interested in seeing this “Capitol Concert.”
Crowds are expected to be huge, according to The U.S. Park Police, so to get the best seat in the house you may just want to tune in to PBS Sunday at 8 p.m.
xoxo,
Markette
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P.S. – Happy 234th birthday America!
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  1. ArcheyFan

    Thanks for the pictures! I love David Archuleta and although I can't physically be in DC I will be watching the Captial 4th tonight on PBS to see David Archuleta's performances. What a great honor to be invited to sing at the show along with some other amazing artists. (hello Stephanie & Danielle! they are big David fans and I see them in one of your photos). Go David!!!! and I love his new single that's going to be released called "Something Bout Love" WOOT

  2. Anonymous

    I can't wait to watch the show tonight mainly because you have David A. on there singing the NA and SBM. His fansites are full of the practice videos from last night and he sounded amazing…heard David and Reba were the only 2 performers that showed up for the practice rehearsal…dedication. David is an amazing artist and person. Great role model for just about anyone. His new single is fantastic…he has it on his website. It will be released in a couple of weeks, but you can go there and listen. The title is Something 'Bout Love…Amazing.

  3. Nancy

    David Archuleta is one of the best artist out there to sing the National Anthem. I love to hear him perform this and I heard he was performing Stand By Me. Can't wait. Will be watching tonight!

  4. Anonymous

    Thanks for your interviews with David. He is an amazing talent and a wonderful person. It's a pleasure to hear interviews with him that are relevant and allow him to answer the question! Thanks so much! He nailed his performances on the 4th, of course! haha