Actor Matthew Broderick, country singer Josh Turner, composer John Williams and a dozen U.S. Olympic athletes will be among the headliners for this year’s July Fourth celebration on the Mall.
Mr. Broderick and Kelli O’Hara will perform songs from the Tony-winning Broadway musical “Nice Work If You Can Get It” during the program, known as “A Capitol Fourth,” organizers said Tuesday.
The performers will take the stage on the West Lawn of the Capitol ahead of the annual Independence Day fireworks display, which typically draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the country.
Mr. Turner has had three No. 1 singles on the U.S. country charts, including “Why Don’t We Just Dance.” His new album, “Punching Bag,” will be released Wednesday. Kool & the Gang, tenor Russell Watson, singer-actress Megan Hilty and the National Symphony Orchestra also are slated to perform.
Mr. Williams will conduct his “Olympic Fanfare” alongside Olympians competing in this year’s Summer Games in London, including archer Khatuna Lorig, fencer Daryl Homer and weightlifter Sarah Robles. Gold medal-winning speedskater Apolo Anton Ohno will host that portion of the program, while Tom Bergeron of “Dancing With the Stars” will serve as the main host.
The show airs from 8 to 9:30 p.m. on PBS. The fireworks begin shortly after 9 p.m.
ABC asks judge to allow new reality show to air
ABC urged a federal judge on Monday to reject efforts by CBS to block next week’s premiere of the new reality series “The Glass House,” citing differences between the new show and the longtime CBS show “Big Brother.”
CBS has asked the judge to block the June 18 premiere of “Glass House” because it copies key elements of “Big Brother” and the new show employs dozens of its former staffers. According to the Associated Press, U.S. District Judge Gary Feess agreed last week that the case should be heard on an expedited basis, although no hearing date has been set.
ABC’s filing states the network has spent $16 million promoting “Glass House,” which would air after “The Bachelorette.” Delaying the show’s premiere could cost nearly 150 people their jobs, ABC argued in its most recent filing.
The network’s attorneys also claim most of the things CBS argues are trade secrets are not unique concepts, but rather standard elements of reality television such as competition, betrayal, voting and a diverse cast. The show differs from “Big Brother,” ABC’s attorneys argue, because many of the contestants’ decisions, and who remains in the house, are made by audience members. The two least popular housemates will lead teams in a competition each week, with the losing leader facing elimination.
CBS alleges the dozens of former “Big Brother” staffers and producers now working with ABC may have violated nondisclosure agreements. Kenny Rosen, the top producer of “Glass House,” has acknowledged he deleted emails that may have been needed in the case after learning a lawsuit was planned, attorneys for CBS wrote in a court filing last week. It also claims he instructed a worker to copy a manual used on “Big Brother.”
ABC claims many of those staffers also worked with Mr. Rosen on the show “Hell’s Kitchen” and that such overlap on reality series is common.
Kardashian clan opens home for interview with Oprah
Oprah Winfrey talks to eight, count ’em, eight Kardashian-Jenner family members in an interview set to air on Ms. Winfrey’s cable channel, OWN.
According to the Associated Press, Ms. Winfrey talked to Kris and Bruce Jenner and their combined offspring at their Hidden Hills, Calif., home. Also on hand were Khloe Kardashian’s husband, Lamar Odom, and Kourtney Kardashian’s boyfriend, Scott Disick, OWN said Monday.
The interview will air at 8 p.m. Sunday on “Oprah’s Next Chapter.” It will be followed at 9 p.m. with the second part of Ms. Winfrey’s interview with rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.
’Idol’ winner Phillips out of hospital after kidney surgery
Days after having kidney surgery, “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips is out of the hospital and back in action.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter underwent a nearly seven-hour operation June 6 to remove massive kidney stones that sidelined him during his otherwise victorious run on the latest season of “Idol.” He left the hospital Sunday.
The Georgia native, who bested Jessica Sanchez in the May 23 finale despite his illness, opted to postpone surgery until “Idol’s” 11th season wrapped up; he secretly went under the knife eight times while on the show to treat a buildup of kidney stones. Caused by a congenital condition, the stones have rendered his right kidney largely ineffective, prompting him to temporarily rely on a stent and the need for an operation that would bring about a more permanent solution.
As previously reported, Mr. Phillips scheduled the surgery only a month before the latest cast of the Fox series embark on a 45-date U.S. tour. A representative for Mr. Phillips said he is still a lock for the July 6 kickoff in Detroit.
Usher to perform at July 1 BET Awards
If video-of-the-year nominee Usher wins at the BET Awards this summer, he won’t be far away: He has agreed to perform at the show.
Rappers 2 Chainz and Big Sean also will take the stage at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on July 1, the Associated Press reports. They join previously announced performers Nicki Minaj and Chris Brown.
Comedians Kevin Hart and Cedric the Entertainer will present awards. Samuel L. Jackson will host.
Kanye West has the most nominations with seven. Beyonce follows with six, and her husband, Jay-Z, is up for five. Lil Wayne, Drake and J. Cole also have multiple nominations.
The show will air at 8 p.m. on BET.
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