More than 40,000 firework shells will accompany the vocal elements of this year’s Macy’s celebration, which includes a mixture of patriotic standards and pop classics from artists like Brad Paisley, Katy Perry, Jennifer Hudson and LeAnn Rimes.
Spotlight-seeking reality television stud Nick Lachey will be hosting the celebration. The former husband of pop-star Jessica Simpson and current fiancé of former MTV veejay Vanessa Minnillo is no stranger to the camera. Most recently, he has hosted two seasons of “The Sing-Off,” a singing competition featuring a cappella groups which returns to NBC this fall.
Lachey says he doesn’t have “any set tradition” when it comes to the 4th of July. “Some years I’ve been in New York, and some years I’ve been in Los Angeles and had the pleasure of watching them on TV. But I always try to be with friends and family.”
The R&B superstar whose song “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” has become a wedding anthem everywhere will also be ringing in this 4th of July. Beyoncé, the fashion-forward, trend-setting, bombshell singer who is married to rapper Jay-Z, will be among the performers where her mezzo-soprano voice will accompany more than 17 colors of fireworks.
Her new album “4” was released this week, but that’s not all this “Dreamgirls” actress has been up to. After the death of Osama bin Laden in May, Beyoncé released a single, “God Bless the USA,” to raise funds for the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund.
It’s only fitting that one of country music’s superstars will also help NYC celebrate. Grammy winner Brad Paisley, who just released his ninth studio album, “This Is Country Music” with songs like “Old Alabama” and “Remind Me,” will also be a featured singer.