‘American Idol’ winners Phillip Phillips, Jordin Sparks perform on ‘A Capitol 4th’

July 4 is not typically known as one of the greatest days for television of the entire year, and for good reason. As we’ve said many times before, the majority of people out there would much rather spend their time during the holiday at the barbecue or with friends than watching TV … at least when you are talking about something other than patriotic TV specials.

One of the biggest ones every year is “A Capitol 4th” over on PBS, and this is one that traditionally does have a big “American Idol” presence. Phillip Phillips performed here not long after winning the show and undergoing surgery for some health issues, and he returned this year in order to perform his new single “Raging Fire” with an introduction by two of the greatest entertainment personalities out there: Tom Bergeron and Kermit the Frog. It doesn’t get a whole lot better than that.

Meanwhile, this show also had another “American Idol” winner in Jordin Sparks present, who performed the classic “America the Beautiful.” Both performances felt right for the show, and it is a nice gig to have on the 4th to be in Washington DC. There are few places as patriotic, and also few places that accumulate such a large congregation of people for the holiday.

So why wasn’t reigning champion Caleb Johnson at the event this year? It is an interesting question given that many past alumni have gotten a chance to perform here, but we do know that all of the season 13 cast are busy with their national tour. Not only that, but Caleb is also recording simultaneously his debut album in an effort to get it out extremely quickly while many still remember who he is.

You can check out both of the aforementioned videos below via Mjsbigblog. For some more updates now on everything we cover, sign up today for our newsletter!

Photo: Fox