Macy’s 4th of July: Ariana Grande performs ‘Problem’ (pre-taped) on NBC special

The 4th of July is not traditionally a big night when it comes to TV. Most people are opting to spend their time elsewhere with fireworks, barbecues, or other fun stuff that signifies the holiday outdoors. This is probably even more true when the holiday falls on a Friday, the time of the week when people would typically be enjoying some time outdoors in the first place.

However, there is still one primetime network that is giving it their all when it comes to airing appropriate programming in NBC, and they yet again aired their Macy’s 4th of July Spectacular Friday hosted by Nick Cannon. One of the biggest performers on the show was Ariana Grande, who formally opened up the proceedings with a take of her hit “Problem” that included her wearing a very patriotic outfit along with some of the same dance moves that you’ve seen on other show performances. (Her collaborator on the song in Iggy Azalea was not present.)

For those wondering how Ariana could be in New York while also in Florida looking after her ailing grandfather, the simple answer to that is that this performance was pre-taped a while back to ensure that it made it onto this special perfectly. Grande was actually going to originally be Philadelphia for a show on Independence Day before having to cancel for her family crisis. Her brother Frankie is still a cast member on “Big Brother 16.”

For those continuing to watch the special tonight on NBC, there will be performances from Miranda Lambert and others coming up, and the show will eventually transition over to showing off some of the famous fireworks that you tune in to see a little later in the night.

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Photo: NBC