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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
And as the rehearsal got off to an upbeat start... the crowd started growing.
They were all there to get a glimpse of the patriotic performances.
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.
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
P.S. - Happy 234th birthday America!
what a sweet interview with David Archuleta! You were so sweet and respectful asking him about his dad and family. I like that NOT everyone accepted the media hype! And that you were so gracious to him!!!
great article on david during the capitol 4th rehearsal. his live performance sunday night was stunning - he is bringing real talent and real singing chops back onto the pop music scene - check out his new single 'something 'bout love.. available on itunes july 20th, it's a smokin' track.
great article on david during the capitol 4th rehearsal. his live performance sunday night was stunning - he is bringing real talent and real singing chops back onto the pop music scene - check out his new single 'something 'bout love.. available on itunes july 20th, it's a smokin' track.
You girls did a great job! I saw the commercial for your show on TV and decided to check out your blog and i am so impressed. Thank you for bringing the fun back to local news and coverage of events. While so many other stations just gave us 1 minute stories, you took the time to give us the WHOLE story... and not just sound bites but real interviews (can you tell I went to journalism school?) Now, I'm a stay-at-home mom, but you girls have really inspired me!!!
God bless,
Brandi, Va.
Good post!!
Burn Notice Schedule