♪♪ -Live from the United States Capitol, it's the 43rd annual "A Capitol Fourth," America's National Independence Day celebration.

And now please welcome our July 4th host, iconic actor and television star, Alfonso Ribeiro.

[ Cheers and applause ] -Welcome, America, and happy Fourth of July!

You can't get more patriotic than this crowd here tonight, so let's show everyone at home how much fun we're having.

Let's see you wave those flags.

[ All cheering ] Yes!

[ Laughs ] I'm your host, Alfonso Ribeiro -- I'm going to work my way through the flags here -- and I am incredibly excited to be here.

But I say we get this party started with our first performer.

He's written and produced 125 Top Ten hits, and after seeing his "America, the Beautiful" at this year's Super Bowl, we had to have him here tonight.

Please welcome someone who I've personally been a fan of for my entire life, Babyface.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ -♪ O beautiful ♪ ♪ For spacious skies ♪ ♪ For amber waves of grain ♪ ♪ For purple mountain majesties ♪ ♪ Above the fruited plains ♪ ♪ America, America ♪ ♪ God shed his grace ♪ ♪ On thee ♪ ♪ And crown thy good ♪ ♪ With brotherhood ♪ ♪ From sea to shining sea ♪ -♪ America ♪ -♪ America ♪ -♪ America ♪ ♪ God shed his grace on thee ♪ -♪ Yes, he did ♪ ♪ And crown thy good ♪ ♪ With brotherhood ♪ ♪ From sea, sea to shining ♪ ♪ Shining sea, yeah, yeah ♪ -♪ To shining sea ♪ -♪ America, yes ♪ ♪ America ♪ ♪ Whoo ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ -Live from the United States Capitol, it's our Independence Day celebration, "A Capitol Fourth."

Tonight, "A Capitol Fourth" welcomes the following stars -- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legends Chicago R&B superstars Boyz II Men, lead singer of The Go-Go's and rock 'n' roll icon Belinda Carlisle, 12-time Grammy-winning artist and producer Babyface, soprano superstar Renée Fleming, "Sesame Street's" Elmo and Cookie Monster, from the hit series "Outer Banks," Charles Esten, Broadway star Ruthie Ann Miles, CMT Award-winning country music duo Maddie & Tae, the Broadway cast of "A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical," with a special tribute to Tina Turner, Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren, from "America's Got Talent," the Northwell Nurse Choir, and a special message from our NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station featuring the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Jack Everly.

Brandon Straub directing the Choral Arts Society of Washington, Patrick Lundy and The Ministers of Music, the U.S. Army band Pershing's Own, The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery, the Armed Forces Color Guard.

And to present our nation's colors, members of our Armed Forces from the Military District of Washington, carrying our 56 state and territorial flags.

And now please rise in body or spirit for our national anthem, performed by Tony Award-winner Ruthie Ann Miles.

♪♪ -♪ Oh, say can you see ♪ ♪ By the dawn's early light ♪ ♪ What so proudly we hailed ♪ ♪ At the twilight's last gleaming ♪ ♪ Whose broad stripes and bright stars ♪ ♪ Through the perilous fight ♪ ♪ O'er the ramparts we watched ♪ ♪ Were so gallantly streaming ♪ ♪ And the rocket's red glare ♪ ♪ The bombs bursting in air ♪ ♪ Gave proof through the night ♪ ♪ That our flag was still there ♪ ♪ Oh, say does that star-spangled ♪ ♪ Banner yet wave ♪ ♪ O'er the land of the free ♪ ♪ And the home of the brave ♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -And now welcome back, from "Dancing with the Stars," our host, Alfonso Ribeiro.

[ "Celebration" plays ] ♪♪ -Whoo!

Happy Fourth of July, America!

[ Cheers and applause ] Yes.

I am so honored to have been asked to host this year's "A Capitol Fourth."

Now, growing up in New York, this day was always so important to my family.

But wherever you're from, north, south, east, west, what we all have in common is a respect and love for this great country of ours, immense gratitude for the opportunities it has given our families, and a shared dream of a better tomorrow for everyone in our nation.

It's why hundreds of thousands of people an American portrait of red, white and blue, are here for tonight's festivities, ready for a night of music and dancing, fun and fireworks.

You know, wait.

Let me -- let me rephrase that.

For the best fireworks in the land.

Am I right?

[ Cheers and applause ] Yeah, well, they've come here to D.C. from every state in the country.

We can see them from across the Potomac, at the Lincoln Memorial... on the National Mall... and here on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol, united in their love of country.

Now, "united" -- that's such an important word.

Not just today, but every day.

And what makes this day even more fun is that we're joined by two very special friends of mine from "Sesame Street," Elmo and Cookie Monster.

-Hi!

-Hi!

-Mwah!

-Yeah!

-Mwah!

Mwah!

Hello!

-Hi!

[ Giggles ] -Yeah.

-Mr. Alfonso, hi!

-Hi.

-We're so happy to be here.

-Yeah.

-Yeah, look at all these people.

-Yeah.

-Mm-hmm.

-Whoa.

-Even the Count couldn't count them all.

-Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

-Come on, everybody!

Wave your flags.

[ Cheers and applause ] Yeah!

-Yeah!

Yeah!

-Whoa!

Look at all these waving flags.

-Wow.

Pretty awesome, right?

Now, Elmo and Cookie Monster, we are so happy to have friends like you here celebrating with us.

Thank you, guys.

And also joining us tonight, as always, on "A Capitol Fourth" is the National Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Jack Everly.

-Oh!

Hi, Mr. Jack!

[ Cheers and applause ] -Hi, Elmo!

Elmo, did you know the National Symphony Orchestra was just nominated for the Gramophone Orchestra of the Year?

So from all of us to all of you, happy birthday, U.S.A.!

-Yay!

[ Cheers and applause ] -Thank you, Jack.

Are you guys ready for more music?

-Oh, yeah!

[ Cheers and applause ] -Yes, we are.

Well, our next performer is not only the lead singer of The Go-Go's, the most successful all-female rock band of all time, she has an amazing solo career.

So get on your feet and get ready to dance, because here is Belinda Carlisle!

-Yay!

[ Cheers and applause ] [ "We Got the Beat" plays ] ♪♪ -Whoo!

♪♪ ♪ See the people walking down the street ♪ ♪ Fall in line just watching all their feet ♪ ♪ They don't know where they wanna go ♪ ♪ But they're walking in time ♪ ♪ they got the beat, they got the beat ♪ ♪ They got the beat ♪ ♪ Yeah, they got the beat ♪ Come on!

♪♪ ♪ See all the kids just getting out of school ♪ ♪ They can't wait to hang out and be cool ♪ ♪ Hang around till quarter after twelve ♪ ♪ That's when they fall in line ♪ ♪ We got the beat, we got the beat ♪ ♪ We got the beat ♪ ♪ Yeah, we got the beat ♪ Come on!

♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ Go-go music really makes us dance ♪ ♪ Doing the pony puts us in a trance ♪ ♪ Do the Watusi just give us a chance ♪ ♪ When I fall in line ♪ ♪ We got the beat, we got the beat ♪ ♪ We got the beat ♪ ♪ Yeah, we got it ♪ Come on!

♪ We got the beat ♪ I wanna hear you!

♪ We got the beat ♪ Whoo!

♪ We got the beat ♪ ♪ Everybody get on your feet ♪ -♪ We got the beat ♪ -♪ We know you can dance to the beat ♪ -♪ We got the beat ♪ -♪ Jump back, kick round ♪ -♪ We got the beat ♪ -♪ Round and round and round ♪ ♪ We got the beat ♪ ♪ We got the beat ♪ -♪ We got the beat ♪ -♪ We got the beat ♪ -♪ We got the beat ♪ -♪ We got the beat ♪ -♪ We got the beat ♪ -♪ We got the beat ♪ -♪ We got the beat ♪ ♪ We got the beat ♪ -♪ We got the beat ♪ -♪ We got the beat ♪ ♪ We got the beat ♪ -♪ We got the beat ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] [ "Vacation" plays ] ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ Can't seem to get my mind off of you ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Back here at home, there's nothin' to do ♪ ♪ Ooh, ooh ♪ ♪ Now that I'm away ♪ ♪ I wish I'd stayed ♪ ♪ Tomorrow's a day of mine you won't be in ♪ ♪ When you looked at me, I should have run ♪ ♪ But I thought that it was just for fun ♪ ♪♪ ♪ I see I was wrong ♪ ♪ And I'm not so strong ♪ ♪ I should have known all along ♪ ♪ That time would tell ♪ ♪ A week without you ♪ ♪ Thought I'd forget ♪ ♪ Two weeks without you ♪ ♪ Still haven't gotten over you yet ♪ Come on!

♪ Vacation, all I ever wanted ♪ ♪ Vacation, had to get away ♪ ♪ Vacation, meant to be spent alone ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Vacation, all I ever wanted ♪ ♪ Vacation, had to get away ♪ ♪ Vacation, meant to be spent alone ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ A week without you ♪ ♪ Thought I'd forget ♪ ♪ Two weeks without you ♪ ♪ Still haven't gotten over you yet ♪ Come on!

♪ Vacation, all I ever wanted ♪ ♪ Vacation, had to get away ♪ ♪ Vacation, meant to be spent alone ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Vacation, all I ever wanted ♪ ♪ Vacation, had to get away ♪ ♪ Vacation, meant to be spent alone ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Vacation, all I ever wanted ♪ ♪ Vacation, had to get away ♪ ♪ Vacation, meant to be spent alone ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] Happy birthday, America!

[ Cheers and applause continues ] -Oh, thank you, Belinda.

That was fantastic!

And guess what -- Belinda will be back later in the concert for an encore.

You know what?

That song was the perfect song.

I could have just...right there.

It just sat right in the pocket.

It was amazing.

Now, are you all having fun?

[ Cheers and applause ] Yes!

I know I am.

The only thing that's missing is the gift basket of cookies that was backstage when I got here tonight.

Gee, I wonder who could have taken them.

-Oh, nummy num, num!

Nummy num.

Ooh!

Nummy num.

-That dude -- That dude is ridiculous.

He's ridiculous.

Our next performers are from the very city where the Declaration of Independence was signed 247 years ago.

They are the best-selling R&B group of all time, with an incredible 64 million albums sold.

And over their career, they have brought home dozens of the music industry's top awards, including four Grammys.

So get back on your feet!

Here is Boyz II Men!

[ Cheers and applause ] -Let's go!

-♪ Motownphilly's back again ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Doin' a little East Coast swing ♪ ♪ Boyz II Men going off ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Not too hard, not too soft ♪ -♪ It's long overdue but now Philly is slammin' ♪ ♪ We got Boyz II Men, ABC, BBD ♪ ♪ The East Coast family ♪ ♪ Never skipped a beat ♪ -♪ Heck, nah ♪ -♪ While cooling on South street ♪ ♪ Yeah, well, we got jet-black Benz ♪ ♪ Plenty of friends, come on ♪ -♪ And all the Philly steaks you can eat ♪ -♪ Back in school, we used to dream about this every day ♪ ♪ Could it really happen?

♪ ♪ Or do dreams just fade away, come on, now ♪ ♪ Then we started singing them ♪ ♪ They said it sounded smooth ♪ ♪ So we started this group, and here we are ♪ ♪ Kicking it just for you ♪ -♪ Motownphilly back again ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Doin' a little East Coast swing ♪ ♪ Boyz II Men going off ♪ -Washington, D.C., how y'all doing out there tonight?

[ Cheers and applause ] That's what I need.

Let's go!

Can I get a "Oh, yeah"?

Say, "Oh, yeah!"

-Oh, yeah!

-Say, "Oh, yeah!"

-Oh, yeah!

-Now scream!

[ Cheering ] -♪ The spotlight is on us now ♪ ♪ Watch us do this ♪ -♪ Da da, daaa da da, ba da da, da da da ♪ -♪ Live and direct from Philly town ♪ -♪ Rap and hype, and we can get down ♪ ♪ We are ready to roll ♪ ♪ So now the world will know that we were ♪ -♪ Back in school, we used to dream about this every day ♪ -♪ Could it really happen?

♪ -♪ Or do dreams just fade away, come on, now ♪ ♪ Then we started singing them ♪ ♪ They said it sounded smooth ♪ -♪ So we started this group, and here we are ♪ ♪ Break it down, fellas, come on, come on ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ -♪ Motownphilly back again ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Doin' a little East Coast swing ♪ ♪ Boyz II Men going off ♪ Okay, everybody in America, everybody put your hands together like this.

Come on.

♪♪ Yes, if everybody's ready to celebrate tonight, y'all make some noise out there!

[ Cheers and applause ] Thank you so very much.

Now check this out.

Y'all repeat after me one time, okay?

Come on.

Let me hear you say yeah.

-♪ Yeah ♪ -♪ Say yeah ♪ -♪ Yeah ♪ -♪ Say okay ♪ -♪ Okay ♪ -♪ Say okay ♪ ♪ Everybody say, oh, oh ♪ -♪ Oh, oh ♪ -♪ Say hey, hey ♪ -♪ Hey, hey ♪ -♪ Say oh, oh, yeah ♪ Now scream!

[ Cheering ] ♪ Motownphilly back again ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Doing a little East Coast swing ♪ ♪ Boyz II Men going off ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Not too hard, not too soft ♪ -Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Here we go.

One last time.

♪ Can I get a okay?

♪ -♪ Okay ♪ -♪ Say okay ♪ -♪ Okay ♪ -♪ Say okay ♪ -♪ Okay ♪ -Now scream!

[ Cheering ] ♪ Boyz II Men, ABC, BBD ♪ Happy Fourth.

[ Cheers and applause ] -Oh, we love that Philly sound.

Boyz II Men, everybody!

They are awesome.

Coming up soon, the best and biggest fireworks in America, so get ready for when we light up the sky.

And get ready for our next performer who lit up the Broadway stage in her Tony Award-winning performance as Tina Turner.

Now, Tina was a true music legend that we sadly lost just a few weeks ago.

So in honor of Tina, please welcome Adrienne Warren.

-If you love Tina Turner as much as I do, stand to your feet right now.

♪ Give me a lifetime of promises ♪ ♪ And a world of dreams ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Speak the language of love ♪ ♪ Like you know what it means ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Ooh, and it can't be wrong ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Take my heart and make it strong, babe ♪ ♪ You're simply the best ♪ Put your hands together!

Come on!

♪ Better than all the rest ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Better than anyone ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Anyone I ever met ♪ ♪♪ ♪ I'm stuck on your heart ♪ I see you back there.

♪ And I hang on every word you say ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Tear us apart ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Baby, I would rather be dead ♪ ♪ Ooh, you're the best ♪♪ [ "Nutbush City Limits" plays ] ♪♪ ♪ Church house, gin house ♪ ♪ School house, outhouse ♪ ♪ On highway number nineteen ♪ ♪ The people keep the city clean ♪ ♪ They call it Nutbush ♪ ♪ Oh, Nutbush ♪ ♪ Call it Nutbush city limits ♪ ♪ Nutbush city ♪ ♪ Twenty-five was the speed limit ♪ ♪ Motorcycles not allowed in it ♪ ♪ You go to the store on Friday ♪ ♪ Go to church on Sunday ♪ ♪ Call it Nutbush ♪ ♪ Yeah, Nutbush ♪ ♪ Oh, yeah ♪ ♪ Call it Nutbush city limits ♪ -♪ Nutbush ♪ -♪ Nutbush city limits ♪ -♪ Nutbush ♪ -♪ Nutbush city limits ♪ ♪ Nutbush ♪♪ [ "Proud Mary" plays ] ♪♪ ♪ Left a good job in the city ♪ ♪ Working for the man every night and day ♪ ♪ And I never lost one minute of sleeping ♪ ♪ Worrying 'bout the way that things might have been ♪ ♪ Big wheel keep on turning ♪ -♪ Turning ♪ -♪ Proud Mary keep on burning ♪ -♪ Burning ♪ -♪ We're rolling, rolling, rolling on the river ♪ ♪ We're rolling, rolling, rolling on the river ♪ ♪ We're up, do do do do do do do do do do ♪ Alright!

♪♪ ♪ Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis ♪ ♪ Pumped a lot of 'tane down in New Orleans ♪ ♪ But I never saw the good side of the city ♪ ♪ Until I hitched a ride on the riverboat Queen ♪ ♪ Big wheel keep on turning ♪ -♪ Turning ♪ -♪ Proud Mary keep on burning ♪ -♪ Burning ♪ ♪ We're rolling, rolling, rolling on the river ♪ ♪ Yes, we're rolling, rolling, rolling on the river ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Oh, yeah ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Adrienne Warren!

That was fantastic!

There was a little girl in the front row who did every step.

It was amazing.

Also, now don't forget, for those of you hosting a "Capitol Fourth" viewing party at home and all across the nation, post your pics with the hashtag #July4thPBS.

Now the great Neil Diamond is a "Capitol Fourth" favorite, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee who has given us so many hit Songs like "Cracklin' Rosie," "Sweet Caroline," and one that means so much to Neil personally.

The song "America" is dedicated to his grandmother, who came here on what Neil calls the Great Voyage to Freedom.

And those are just a few of the great songs you're about to enjoy from the Broadway cast of "A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical."

[ Cheers and applause ] [ "Cracklin' Rosie" plays ] ♪♪ -♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey ♪ -♪ Oh, Cracklin' Rosie, get on board ♪ -♪ Get on board ♪ -♪ We gonna ride till there ain't no more to go ♪ -♪ Oooh ♪ -♪ Taking it slow ♪ -♪ Oooh ♪ -♪ Lord, don't you know ♪ ♪ I'll have me a time with a poor man's lady ♪ ♪ Oh, I love my Rosie child ♪ ♪ You got the way to make me happy ♪ ♪ You and me, we go in style ♪ ♪ Cracklin' Rose, you're a store-bought woman ♪ ♪ But you make me sing like a guitar hummin' ♪ ♪ So hang on to me, girl, our song keeps runnin' on ♪ ♪ Play it now, play it now ♪ ♪ Play it now, my baby ♪ ♪ Cracklin' Rosie, make me smile ♪ ♪ Girl if it lasts for an hour ♪ ♪ Well, that's alright ♪ ♪ 'Cause we got all night ♪ ♪ To set the world right ♪ ♪ Find us a dream ♪ ♪ That don't ask no questions, yeah ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] [ "Cherry Cherry" plays ] ♪♪ ♪ Baby loves me, yes, yes, she does ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Ah, the girl's outta sight, yeah ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Says she loves me, yes, yes, she does ♪ ♪ Gonna show me tonight, yeah ♪ ♪ Hey, she got the way to move me, Cherry ♪ -♪ She got the way to groove me ♪ ♪ She got the way to move me ♪ -♪ Yeah, Cherry, baby ♪ -♪ She got the way to groove me ♪ -♪ Alright ♪ ♪♪ How you doin'?

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ Tell your mama, girl, I can't stay long ♪ ♪♪ ♪ We got things we gotta catch up on ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Oh, you know, you know what I'm sayin' ♪ ♪ Can't stand still while the music is playin' ♪ -♪ Mm det det det det det ♪ -♪ She got the way to move me, Cherry ♪ -♪ She got the way to groove me ♪ ♪ She got the way to move me ♪ -♪ My Cherry baby ♪ -♪ She got the way to groove me ♪ -♪ Alright ♪ -♪ Det det, det det det, det det ♪ ♪ Det det, det det det, det det ♪ ♪ Det det, det det det, det det ♪ ♪ Det det, det det ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] [ "Forever in Blue Jeans" plays ] -♪ Money talks ♪ ♪ But it don't sing and dance, and it don't walk ♪ ♪ And long as I can have you here with me ♪ ♪ I'd much rather be forever in blue jeans ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Honey's sweet ♪ -♪ Honey's sweet, honey's sweet ♪ -♪ But it ain't nothin' next to baby's treat ♪ -♪ It ain't nothin' next to baby's treat ♪ -♪ And if you'd pardon me, I'd like to say ♪ ♪ We'll do okay forever in blue jeans, babe ♪ ♪ Yeah ♪ -♪ Forever in blue jeans ♪ -♪ Money, money, money ♪ -♪ And money talks, but it can't sing and dance ♪ -♪ Money, money, money -♪ And it can't walk and long ♪ ♪ As long as I can have you ♪ -♪ Here with me ♪ -♪ I'd much rather be ♪ -♪ Forever in blue jeans ♪ ♪ Babe ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] [ "America" plays ] ♪♪ -♪ On the boats and on the planes ♪ ♪ They're coming to America ♪ ♪ Never looking back again ♪ ♪ They're coming to America ♪ ♪ Every where around the world ♪ ♪ They're coming to America ♪ ♪ Every time that flag's unfurled ♪ ♪ They're coming to America ♪ ♪ Today ♪ -♪ They're coming to America ♪ -♪ Today ♪ -♪ They're coming to America ♪ -♪ Today ♪ -♪ They're coming to America ♪ -♪ Today ♪ -♪ They're coming to America ♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] [ "Sweet Caroline" plays ] -♪ Bah bah bah, bah dah, bah bah dah ♪ ♪ Bah bah dah, Bah bah, bah, bah, dah, dah ♪ -♪ Where it began ♪ ♪ I can't begin to knowing ♪ ♪ But then I know it's growing strong ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Was in the spring ♪ -♪ Ooh ooh ooh ♪ -♪ Then spring became the summer ♪ ♪ Who'd have believed you'd come along ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Hands ♪ -♪ Ahhhh ♪ -♪ Touching hands ♪ -♪ Ahhhh ♪ -♪ Reaching out ♪ ♪ Touching me ♪ ♪ Touching you ♪ ♪ Sweet Caroline ♪ ♪ Bah bah bah ♪ ♪ Good times never seemed so good ♪ -So good, so good, so good!

♪ Oh, oh, oh, I've been inclined ♪ -♪ Bah bah bah ♪ -♪ To believe they never would ♪ ♪ But now I ♪ Ladies and gentlemen, we're so happy to be here at the nation's capital!

Happy birthday, America!

Let's see if we can make them hear us all the way up on Broadway!

♪ Sweet Caroline ♪ -♪ Bah bah bah ♪ ♪ Good times never seemed so good ♪ ♪ So good, so good, so good ♪ -♪ I've been inclined ♪ -♪ Bah bah bah ♪ -♪ I'd believe they never would ♪ ♪ Sweet Caroline ♪ ♪ Sweet Ca-ro-line ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Yes, "A Beautiful Noise."

That's incredible.

Now, just three years from today, we will mark 250 years since America's founding on July 4, 1776.

Throughout our nation, plans are being made to celebrate what promises to be a special moment in the life of our nation, one that gives us the chance to reflect on the nation's past and take stock of the progress we've made as we look forward to our future.

Go to pbs.org/CapitalFourth to learn more and see how you can be a part of America's 250th birthday.

Back in 1776, those first American patriots changed the course of history when they declared their independence.

And the one constant throughout the generations since has been how we all want to change the world for the better, for ourselves, for our future, and for our children.

And now, with his Grammy-winning Song of the Year "Change the World," once again, Babyface.

♪♪ -♪ If I can reach the stars ♪ ♪ Pull one down for you ♪ ♪ I shine it on my heart, yeah ♪ ♪ So you could see the truth, yeah ♪ ♪ That this love I have inside ♪ ♪ Is everything it seems, yeah ♪ ♪ But for now I find, yeah ♪ ♪ It's only in my dreams ♪ Come on, y'all.

♪ And I can change the world ♪ ♪ And I'll be the sunlight in your universe ♪ ♪ And you would think my love ♪ ♪ Was really something good, baby, if I could ♪ ♪ Change ♪ ♪ The world ♪ ♪♪ ♪ If I could be king, yeah ♪ ♪ Even for a day, yeah ♪ ♪ I'd take you as my queen, yeah ♪ ♪ I'd have it no other way, yeah ♪ ♪ And our love would rule ♪ ♪ In this kingdom we have made ♪ ♪ Till then, I'd be a fool, yeah ♪ ♪ Wishing for the day ♪ ♪ And I can change the world ♪ ♪ I will be the sunlight in your universe ♪ ♪ You would think my love ♪ ♪ Was really something good, baby, if I could ♪ ♪ Change ♪ Whoo!

♪ The world ♪ ♪♪ ♪ And I can change the world ♪ -♪ Change the world ♪ -♪ I will be the sunlight in your universe ♪ ♪ You would think my love was really something good, baby ♪ ♪ If I could ♪ -♪ Change the world ♪ ♪ Baby, if I could ♪ -♪ Change the world ♪ -♪ Baby, if I could ♪ -♪ Change the world ♪ -♪ Baby, if I could ♪ -♪ Change the world ♪ ♪ If I could ♪ ♪ Change the world ♪ -♪ If I could ♪ -♪ If I could ♪ ♪ Change the world ♪ -♪ Baby, if I could ♪ Whoo!

-♪ Change the world ♪ -♪ Baby, if I could ♪ Whoo!

♪ The world ♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Yes, Babyface, thank you.

That was great!

-Yeah, Babyface!

-Yeah.

You know, uh -- You know, Elmo's nickname used to be baby-faced monster back in the day.

-Oh, oh, that's -- -Do your Babyface pose.

-Really?

-Yeah.

Do it.

-You want to see the Babyface pose?

-Yeah, you're gonna love this.

-Okay, go ahead, go ahead.

Do it.

-Aww -Oh.

Yeah, I don't -- I don't think there's any resemblance.

All right.

For those of you hosting a "Capital Fourth" viewing parties at home and around the country, post your pics with the hashtag #July4thPBS.

In fact, you know what?

Squeeze in.

Squeeze in.

-Okay.

-Okay.

-Here we go.

Say cheese.

-Oh, okay.

-Okay.

-Actually, you know what?

Say, "A Capital Fourth."

-Oh, yeah.

Good one.

-Capital Fourth!

Hey!

-Aww!

You look great.

-Yes.

I am so glad you're both here with me today.

And what else have you guys been doing this summer?

-Oh, well, Elmo has been spending time with his family.

-Yeah.

Yeah.

And me grilling cookie burgers in the backyard.

-Yeah.

[ Chuckles ] -Delicious.

-Yeah.

-Mwah.

-You know, we've been traveling from Sesame Street to explore lots of new places, Mr. Alfonso.

-Wow.

You know what?

There are so many places in America you can visit, right?

I know.

Yeah.

-Yeah, that's true.

-And I love to take my family out in our RV.

We do some camping and head out to iconic American locales like the Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park, and Yellowstone National Park.

Yeah, we go all over.

And guess what.

My family is here with me tonight at this amazing July 4th celebration.

Right in the front row.

They're right there.

-Oh, hi!

-Hi, family!

-We love you.

-Hi!

-You know, they love seeing all these great performances.

What would you like to see next?

-Oh, you know, maybe something patriotic for maybe America?

-Huh.

Perfect timing.

It's almost as if I had this planned.

-Huh.

[ Laughter ] Because this next song speaks to the majesty of this country we live in, and it's one that has stood the test of time -- "This Land is Your Land."

-Yeah.

And everybody watching, sing along.

-Yes, that is a great idea.

And here to perform is an award-winning country music duo, Maddie & Tae.

-Hooray!

-Oh, boy, oh, boy!

-♪ As I was walking that ribbon of highway ♪ ♪ I saw above me that endless skyway ♪ ♪ I saw below me that golden valley ♪ ♪ This land was made for you and me ♪ ♪♪ ♪ This land is your land ♪ ♪ This land is my land ♪ ♪ From California to the New York island ♪ ♪ From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters ♪ ♪ This land was made for you and me ♪ ♪♪ ♪ I roamed and rambled ♪ ♪ And I've followed my footsteps ♪ ♪ To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts ♪ ♪ All around me, a voice was sounding ♪ ♪ This land was made for you and me ♪ -Y'all sing along!

-♪ This land is your land ♪ ♪ This land is my land ♪ ♪ From California to the New York island ♪ ♪ From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters ♪ ♪ This land was made for you and me ♪ ♪♪ ♪ You and me ♪ ♪♪ -Happy birthday, America!

[ Cheers and applause ] -Maddie & Tae.

Awesome, guys.

Great job.

Tonight, as we celebrate those patriots who declared our independence 247 years ago, we also remember those who have fought to preserve our liberty and freedom over the decades.

With us in the audience are a number of veterans and active military members and their families.

We're also joined by some heroes from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Fort Belvoir Hospital.

[ Cheers and applause ] Yeah.

And joining us tonight is someone who has done so much on behalf of our wounded, ill, and injured warriors.

She is a leading advocate for the power of creative-arts therapies to help veterans, servicemembers, and caregivers with the trauma and scars of war.

With a special tribute to our heroes in uniform, please welcome a soprano superstar who has been chosen as an upcoming Kennedy Center honoree, Renée Fleming.

[ Cheers and applause ] -Thank you, Alfonso.

I dedicate this to these families and all our military families.

[ "Climb Every Mountain" plays ] ♪ Climb every mountain ♪ ♪ Search high and low ♪ ♪ Follow every by-way ♪ ♪ Every path you know ♪ ♪ Climb every mountain ♪ ♪ Ford every stream ♪ ♪ Follow every rainbow ♪ ♪ Till you find your dream ♪ ♪ A dream that will need ♪ ♪ All the love you can give ♪ ♪ Every day of your life ♪ ♪ For as long as you live ♪ ♪ Climb every mountain ♪ ♪ Ford every stream ♪ ♪ Follow every rainbow ♪ ♪ Till you find your ♪ ♪ Dream ♪ ♪ A dream that will need ♪ ♪ All the love you can give ♪ ♪ Every day of your life ♪ ♪ For as long as you live ♪ ♪ Climb every mountain ♪ ♪ Ford every stream ♪ ♪ Follow every rainbow ♪ ♪ Till you ♪ ♪ Find your ♪ ♪ Dream ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Wow.

Renée Fleming.

That was amazing!

-That was wonderful.

-Such an amazing voice.

-Thank you, Miss Renée.

-Whoa.

Well, Elmo, why are you wearing an astronaut suit?

-Oh.

This?

Oh, well, they sent it to Elmo for the big surprise.

-Oh, cool, cool!

Did they -- Did they -- Did they send me one?

-Oh, let's see.

♪ Ya da dee, ya da dee ♪ You know, um... they only sent one, but, uh... you know, this looks pretty good on Elmo, don't you think?

-Yeah.

Yeah, of course.

It looks -- It looks great.

Yeah, I'm not -- I'm not disappointed at all.

-Oh.

[ Laughter ] -You know, maybe Elmo should tell everybody about the big surprise now.

-Yeah.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

You should do it.

Yeah, because I bet it has something to do with the uniform you're wearing.

[ Laughter ] -Yes, it does.

Yes, it does.

Elmo is dressed up like some American heroes who are out of this world.

And they sent us a special message.

-Hi.

I'm NASA astronaut Frank Rubio aboard the International Space Station, flying 260 miles above the Earth with my NASA crewmates Steve Bowen and Woody Hoburg.

Steve?

-Although we may be too far away to see your amazing fireworks, please know that we're celebrating America's Independence Day up here, just as you are everywhere across the USA.

Woody?

-NASA is America's space program.

We thank the thousands across the country who work so hard every day to support our missions.

We are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to live in this great country.

♪♪ -So to all of the Capitol and all of you watching the National Independence Day celebration on PBS... -Happy Independence Day!

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ -Thank you, NASA astronauts!

I just feel like sending a mic.

[ Laughter ] -Whoa.

Whoa!

-I feel like I'm in space right now.

All right.

And now let's go from a message from way above the Earth to a song reminding us heaven is a place on Earth.

Get up on your feet, because as I promised, once again, here is Belinda Carlisle.

[ Cheers and applause ] -♪ Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth?

♪ ♪ Ooh, heaven is a place on Earth ♪ ♪ They say in heaven love comes first ♪ ♪ We'll make heaven a place on Earth ♪ ♪ Ooh, heaven is a place on Earth ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ When the night falls down ♪ ♪ I wait for you, you come around ♪ ♪ And the world's alive ♪ ♪ With the sound of kids, the street outside ♪ ♪ When you walk into the room ♪ ♪ You pull me close, we start to move ♪ ♪ We're spinning with the stars above ♪ ♪ And you lift me up in a wave of love ♪ ♪ Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth?

♪ ♪ Ooh, heaven is a place on Earth ♪ ♪ They say in heaven love comes first ♪ ♪ We'll make heaven a place on Earth ♪ ♪ Ooh, heaven is a place on Earth ♪ ♪ When I feel alone ♪ ♪ I reach for you, you bring me home ♪ ♪ When I'm lost at sea ♪ ♪ I hear your voice, it carries me ♪ ♪ In this world, we're just beginning ♪ ♪ To understand the miracle of living ♪ ♪ Baby, I was afraid before ♪ ♪ But I'm not afraid anymore ♪ ♪ Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth?

♪ ♪ Ooh, heaven is a place on Earth ♪ ♪ They say in heaven love comes first ♪ ♪ We'll make heaven a place on Earth ♪ ♪ Ooh, heaven is a place on Earth ♪ ♪♪ ♪ In this world, we're just beginning ♪ ♪ To understand the miracle of living ♪ ♪ Baby, I was afraid before ♪ ♪ But I'm not afraid anymore ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth?

♪ ♪ Ooh, heaven is a place on Earth ♪ ♪ They say in heaven love comes first ♪ ♪ We'll make heaven a place on Earth ♪ ♪ Ooh, heaven is a place on Earth ♪ ♪ Ooh, heaven is a place on Earth ♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Thank you, Belinda.

We have a great family here.

Where are you guys from?

-Virginia.

-From Virginia.

What are your names?

-I'm Montine.

-I'm Joe.

-I'm Yancy.

-I'm Crawford.

-Nice to meet you all.

You guys live here in Virginia.

Now, do you guys have any incredible plans for this summer?

-Well, the two kids are excited about some fun camps this next week.

-Okay.

Some good camps.

Are you excited about your camps?

-Yes.

-Yes, yes.

And what is your most favorite thing about the Fourth of July?

-The fireworks.

-Picking out the fireworks and watching them.

-That is awesome.

Well, you know what?

I love the fireworks, too.

And guess what.

We are just minutes away from the fireworks, okay?

So the fireworks are going to start very, very soon.

But first, how about a special performance of a classic song.

Please welcome back Boyz II Men.

Thank you, guys.

[ Cheers and applause ] [ "Easy" plays ] ♪♪ -♪ Oh, oh, yeah ♪ ♪ Ooh, ooh ♪ ♪ I know it sounds funny ♪ ♪ But I just can't stand the pain ♪ ♪ Girl, I'm leaving you tomorrow ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Seems to me, girl, you know I've done all I can ♪ ♪♪ ♪ See, I begged, stole, and I borrowed ♪ ♪ Oh, oh ♪ ♪ That's why I'm easy ♪ -♪ Ah-ah-ah-ahh ♪ -♪ I'm easy like Sunday morning ♪ -♪ Ah-ah-ah-ahh ♪ -♪ That's why I'm easy ♪ -♪ Ah-ah-ah-ahh ♪ -♪ I'm easy like Sunday Morning ♪ ♪♪ -♪ Why in the world would anybody ♪ ♪ Put chains on me, yeah?

♪ ♪ I've paid my dues to make it ♪ -♪ Paid my dues to make it ♪ -♪ Everybody wants me to be ♪ ♪ Who they want me to be ♪ ♪ Oh, yeah ♪ ♪ I'm not happy when I try to fake it ♪ ♪ Oh, oh, oh, ooh ♪ ♪ That's why I'm easy ♪ -♪ Ah-ah-ah-ahh ♪ -♪ I'm easy like Sunday morning ♪ -♪ Ah-ah-ah-ahh ♪ -♪ That's why I'm easy ♪ ♪ Ooh, I'm easy like Sunday morning ♪ -♪ I wanna be high ♪ ♪ Oh, so high ♪ ♪ I wanna be free to know the things I feel are right ♪ ♪ I wanna be free to know ♪ ♪ Oh, oh oh oh ♪ ♪ Just me ♪ ♪ Oh, baby ♪ -Washington, D.C., how you doing out there tonight?

[ Cheers and applause ] Everybody follow us.

Wave from side to side.

Come on!

-♪ That's why I'm easy ♪ -♪ Ah-ah-ah-ahh ♪ -♪ I'm easy like Sunday morning ♪ -♪ Ah-ah-ah-ahh ♪ -♪ That's why I'm easy ♪ -♪ Ah-ah-ah-ahh ♪ -♪ I'm easy like Sunday Morning ♪ -Okay, America, here and at home, just switch it up.

Hands in the air.

Put 'em together like this.

Come on.

-♪ That's why I'm easy ♪ -♪ Ah-ah-ah-ahh ♪ -♪ I'm easy like Sunday morning ♪ -♪ Ah-ah-ah-ahh ♪ -♪ Now I'm easy ♪ -♪ Ah-ah-ah-ahh ♪ -♪ Ooh, like Sunday Morning ♪ -♪ So, so easy ♪ ♪ Ooh, ooh ooh ooh ♪ ♪ Easy like Sunday morning ♪ -Happy Fourth, everybody.

Thank you so much.

[ Cheers and applause ] -Thank you.

[ Cheers and applause ] -Love me some Boyz II Men.

Performing for us next is the Northwell Nurse Choir.

They have not only starred on "America's Got Talent" but, over the past few years, have truly impacted the lives of others with their music at a time when the world needs it most.

They are proof that heroes come in so many different forms.

Some wear the uniform of our nation and serve overseas.

Some are front-line and healthcare workers here at home.

And now let's show our appreciation for all those we honor tonight who serve.

Everyone, please take out your phones.

Okay?

Turn the flashlight on, hold them up high, and keep them shining and wave them as our nurses perform.

Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the Northwell Nurse Choir.

[ Cheers and applause ] [ "Lean on Me" plays ] -♪ Sometimes in our lives ♪ ♪ We all have pain ♪ ♪ We all have sorrow ♪ ♪ But if we are wise ♪ ♪ We know that there's ♪ ♪ Always tomorrow ♪ ♪ Lean on me ♪ ♪ When you're not strong ♪ ♪ And I'll be your friend ♪ ♪ I'll help you carry on ♪ ♪ For it won't be long till I'm gonna need ♪ ♪ Somebody to lean on ♪♪ ♪ Won't you stand ♪ -♪ Won't you stand ♪ -♪ By me ♪ -♪ By me ♪ -♪ Oh-oh-oh, stand by me ♪ ♪ When you need a friend ♪ ♪ Oh-oh, stand ♪ ♪ Stand, stand by me ♪♪ ♪ You're broken down and tired ♪ ♪ Of living life on a merry-go-round ♪ ♪ And you can't find the fighter ♪ ♪ But I see it in you, so we gon' walk it out ♪ ♪ And m-o-ove mountains ♪ ♪ And I'll rise up ♪ ♪ I'll rise like the day ♪ ♪ I'll rise up ♪ ♪ I'll rise unafraid ♪ ♪ I'll rise up ♪ ♪ And I'll do it a thousand times again ♪ ♪ For you-ooh-ooh-ooh ♪ ♪ For you-ooh-ooh-ooh ♪ ♪ For you-ooh-ooh-ooh ♪ ♪ For you-ooh-ooh-ooh ♪ ♪ And I'll rise up ♪ ♪ I'll rise like the day ♪ ♪ I'll rise up ♪ ♪ I'll rise unafraid ♪ ♪ I'll rise up ♪ ♪ And I'll do it a thousand times again ♪ ♪ For you ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Our Northwell Nurse Choir.

Fantastic, y'all.

Beautiful, as always.

Our firewakes -- fireworks are about to start, which is perfect timing for another superstar performance.

It was over 50 years ago that this self-described rock 'n' roll band with horns burst onto the American music scene with a sound like no other.

Over the decades, they've sold over 100 million records, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Get on your feet and get ready to party, because here is Chicago.

[ Cheers and applause ] [ "Saturday in the Park" plays ] ♪♪ ♪♪ -♪ Saturday in the park ♪ ♪ I think it was the Fourth of July ♪ ♪ Saturday in the park ♪ ♪ I think it was the Fourth of July ♪ ♪ People dancing, people laughing ♪ ♪ A man selling ice cream ♪ ♪ Singing Italian songs ♪ ♪ Eh cumpari, ci vo sunari ♪ ♪ Can you dig it?

♪ -♪ Yes, I can ♪ -♪ And I've been waiting such a long time ♪ ♪ For Saturday ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Another day in the park ♪ ♪ It looked just like the Fourth of July ♪ ♪ Another day in the park ♪ ♪ I swear it was the Fourth of July ♪ ♪ People talking, really smiling ♪ ♪ A man playing guitar ♪ -♪ Play the song, play on ♪ -♪ And singing for us all ♪ ♪ Will you help him change the world?

♪ ♪ Can you dig it?

♪ -♪ Yes, I can ♪ -♪ And I've been waiting such a long time ♪ ♪ For today ♪ ♪ Slow-motion riders ♪ ♪ Fly the colours of the day ♪ ♪ A bronze man ♪ ♪ Still can ♪ ♪ Tell stories his own way ♪ ♪ Listen, children, all is not lost ♪ ♪ All is not lost ♪ ♪ Oh, no, no ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ Funny days ♪ ♪ In the park ♪ ♪ Every day's the Fourth of July ♪ ♪ Funny days in the park ♪ ♪ Every day's the Fourth of July ♪ ♪ People reaching, people touching ♪ ♪ A real celebration ♪ ♪ Waiting for us all ♪ -♪ Waiting for us all ♪ -♪ If you want it, really want it ♪ ♪ Can you dig it?

♪ -♪ Yes, I can ♪ -♪ And I've been waiting such a long time ♪ ♪ For the day ♪ ♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪ Whoo-ooh-ooh!

♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] [ "Feelin' Stronger Every Day" plays ] ♪♪ -♪ After what you've meant to me ♪ ♪ Ooh, baby, now, I can make it easily ♪ -♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪ -♪ I know that we both agree ♪ ♪ The best thing to happen to you ♪ ♪ The best thing that happened to me ♪ ♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ Feeling stronger every day ♪ -♪ You know I'm alright now ♪ -♪ Feeling stronger every day ♪ -♪ You know I'm alright now ♪ -♪ Feeling stronger every day ♪ -♪ You know I'm alright now ♪ -♪ Feeling stronger every day ♪ -♪ You know I'm alright now ♪ -♪ Feeling stronger every day ♪ -♪ You know I'm alright now ♪ -♪ Feeling stronger every day ♪ -♪ You know I'm alright now ♪ -♪ Feeling stronger every day ♪ -♪ You know I'm alright now ♪ -♪ Feeling stronger every day ♪ -♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] [ "25 or 6 to 4" plays ] ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ Waiting for the break of day ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Searching for something to say ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Flashing lights against the sky ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Giving up, I close my eyes ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Sitting cross-legged on the floor ♪ ♪ Twenty-five or six to four ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ Staring blindly into space ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Getting up to splash my face ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Wanting just to stay awake ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Wondering how much I can take ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Should I try to do some more?

♪ ♪ Twenty-five or six to four ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ Feeling like I ought to sleep ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Spinning room is sinking deep ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Searching for something to say ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Waiting for the break of day ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Twenty-five or six to four ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Twenty-five or six to four ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -The band Chicago.

That was awesome.

Now, as you can see, the fireworks have started, which is the perfect timing for a great national July Fourth tradition, as Maestro Jack Everly leads the National Symphony Orchestra performing "The 1812 Overture."

♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ -♪ Mighty Lord God ♪ ♪ Keep us safe from jeopardy ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Take thee now our faith ♪ ♪ And loud cry in penitence ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Grant our vict'ry ♪ ♪ O'er our enemies so treacherous ♪ ♪ And bring our land a lasting peace ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Mighty Lord our God ♪ ♪ Hear our lowly pray'r ♪ ♪ Grant thy shining holy light ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ Grant us, Lord, peace again ♪ ♪ Oh, mighty Lord ♪ ♪ Hear our pray'r ♪ ♪ And save our people forever ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Let's keep this birthday party going.

To perform some American favorites, here is the U.S. Army band, Pershing's Own.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] Please welcome back American soprano superstar Renée Fleming.

[ Cheers and applause ] [ "America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee)" plays ] ♪♪ ♪♪ -♪ My country 'tis of thee ♪ ♪ Sweetly land of liberty ♪ ♪ Of thee I sing ♪ ♪ Land where my fathers died ♪ ♪ Land of the pilgrims' pride ♪ ♪ From every mountainside ♪ ♪ Let freedom ring ♪ ♪♪ ♪ My native country, thee ♪ ♪ Land of the noble free ♪ ♪ Thy name I love ♪ ♪ I love thy rocks and rills ♪ ♪ Thy woods and templed hills ♪ ♪ My heart with rapture thrills ♪ ♪ Like that above ♪ ♪ Above ♪ ♪ Let music swell the breeze ♪ ♪ And ring from all the trees ♪ ♪ Sweet freedom's song ♪ ♪ Let mortal tongues awake ♪ ♪ Let all that breathe partake ♪ ♪ Let rocks their silence break ♪ ♪♪ ♪ The sound prolong ♪ ♪ Sound prolong ♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Freedom!

-Freedom!

-Renée Fleming.

Now, stay tuned because coming up shortly after we finish tonight's show is an encore performance of "A Capitol Fourth" on most PBS stations.

-Oh, boy!

We get to do it again?

Oh, boy, oh, boy.

oh, boy, oh, boy.

-Yeah, we're going to do it all over again.

I want to say thank you to "A Capitol Fourth" for inviting me to be your host on America's National Independence Day celebration.

And a special thank you to the audience at home for letting me be a part of your celebrations.

And I want to thank Elmo and Cookie Monster for joining me tonight.

Anything you guys want to say?

-Yes, Mr. Alfonso.

Happy birthday, America!

-Yes, it is truly the best birthday party I've ever been to on a day that celebrates our freedom!

-And cookies!

-[ Laughing ] -[ Loudly munching ] -Oh, wow.

Really?

All over my suit.

Okay.

And now it's time for a wonderful song all about freedom, performed by a recording artist and star of television and film.

Keep waving those flags and get on your feet for Charles Esten.

And may God bless America.

[ "Let Freedom Ring" plays ] ♪♪ -♪ Let freedom ring ♪ ♪ Let its music resound throughout the nation ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Let it celebrate sweet liberty ♪ ♪ That is keeping us free and strong ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Let freedom ring ♪ ♪ And let everyone share its inspiration ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Let the promise not be satisfied ♪ ♪ Until no one's denied its song ♪ ♪ It's a dream to build upon ♪ ♪ We take the dream ♪ ♪ And pass it on ♪ -♪ And on ♪ -♪ And on ♪ -♪ And on ♪ -♪ And on ♪ -♪ And on ♪ -♪ And let freedom sing ♪ ♪ Let freedom ring ♪ -♪ Let freedom ring ♪ -♪ For the children of every generation ♪ ♪♪ ♪ May the love of freedom always ring ♪ ♪ And let everyone sing along ♪ ♪ It's a dream ♪ -♪ It's a dream ♪ -♪ To build upon ♪ -♪ Build upon ♪ -♪ We'll take the dream ♪ -♪ Take the dream ♪ -♪ And pass it on ♪ -♪ And on ♪ -♪ And on ♪ -♪ And on ♪ -♪ And on ♪ -♪ And on ♪ -♪ And let freedom sing ♪ -♪ Let freedom ring ♪ -♪ Let freedom ring ♪ -♪ Let freedom ring ♪ -♪ Let freedom ring ♪ -♪ For the children of every generation ♪ ♪♪ -♪ May the love of freedom ♪ ♪ Always ring ♪ ♪ It has brought us this far ♪ -♪ It has brought us this far ♪ -♪ It proclaims who we are ♪ -♪ It proclaims who we are ♪ -♪ And together we sing ♪ ♪ Let freedom ring ♪ -♪ People everywhere, let freedom ring ♪ ♪ People everywhere, let freedom ring ♪ ♪ People all over the world, let freedom ring ♪ -♪ People all over ♪ -♪ People everywhere, let freedom ring ♪ -♪ People all over ♪ -♪ People everywhere let freedom ring ♪ ♪ People all over the world, let freedom ring ♪ -♪ People all over ♪ -♪ People everywhere, let freedom ring ♪ -♪ People all over ♪ -♪ People everywhere let freedom ring ♪ -♪ Let freedom ring ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] [ "The Stars and Stripes Forever" plays ] ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪