Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular: Kelly Clarkson performs ‘Heartbeat Song’

Tonight, NBC is airing their annual Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, and anyone who has watched this event at any point over the years more than likely knows already that there is so much more to this broadcast than just seeing fireworks. There are also a variety of performances, and also something about American selfies that we were going to mock as being silly before we realized there was a charitable side to it. Now, it’s noble.

One of the funniest things about the broadcast is that the network does not really even try to pretend that there are portions of this broadcast that is pre-recorded. For example, the opening performance and then welcome from Tamron Hall and Willie Geist was in the middle of the day seemingly, while minutes later Kelly Clarkson was performing “Heartbeat Song” and it was dark out. Who cares about continuity!

The reason we highlight this particular moment, though, is mostly because Kelly is still a popular figure in the TV community. It is going to be so strange to see “American Idol” end its run next year, mostly because it has become such a huge part of our culture and she is a major reason why. To see her continuing to perform of course is validation for all the work that she put in, but also to what that platform was so many years ago. It’s hard to find a talent out there who is still an unknown as she once was, and also someone willing to put in so much work after the fact.

Some other performers tonight include Meghan Trainor and Ed Sheeran.

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