“America’s Got Talent” presenter Nick Cannon is set to host “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” tonight from 8pm to 10pm ET on NBC.
This 4th of July, the nation’s largest patriotic pyrotechnic display will illuminate the night sky over New York City as the 37th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks rumble to life. The culmination of Macy’s “American Icons” celebration will be a spectacle like no other. The explosive party this year will feature a first-ever, one-of-a-kind collaboration with global superstar Usher, who will join Macy’s in igniting sparks over the Hudson River.
“I’m really excited to add my flavor to the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, the largest show in America. As an artist, it’s important that I expand creatively into new areas. Working on the score and fireworks design has been a great experience that’s allowed me to share my voice in a new way,” commented Usher. “The 4th of July is a collective celebration of freedom and I hope that through the music and visuals, I’ve helped express the energy and passion of our nation. I can’t wait for the countdown; we’re getting ready to surprise the audience with the ultimate Independence Day party.”
For the first time in the history of the show, a superstar artist is collaborating with Macy’s creative and pyrotechnic teams. Lending his artistic inspiration and talent, eight-time Grammy Award-winning artist Usher is curating the overall design of the show, entitled “It Begins with A Spark.” From the rousing musical selections to the spectacular Fireworks in the sky, Usher is putting his visionary stamp on the nation’s biggest Independence Day party.
Beginning with the score, Usher’s musical tastes are evident and reflect a melting pot of influences that span several decades of music. From current smash hits by artists like Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Avicii and Swedish House Mafia to classic artists like Jimi Hendrix, Frank Sinatra and Sam Cooke, the explosive evening will feature a taste of musical styles ranging from pop and soul to country and electronic dance music. With a selection of Usher’s top hits in the mix and Americana favorites such as America the Beautiful, God Bless America and The Star-Spangled Banner rounding out the presentation, the Fireworks will have a spectacular back beat as they paint the night sky.
Usher’s artistry also extends to the canvas in the sky. In collaboration with Macy’s Fireworks designers Gary and Jim Souza, Usher provided visual design cues, inspiration and direction for the pyrotechnics that are choreographed to the score. This year’s show features never-before-seen effects, shapes and colors including the unique “Usher shell” manufactured exclusively for the Macy’s Fireworks in celebration of the collaboration with the superstar artist.
In addition to the pyrotechnics, the 4th of July’s most popular entertainment special will feature performances from superstars Mariah Carey, Cher, Selena Gomez, Tim McGraw, Pitbull and Taylor Swift.
