PBS' A CAPITOL FOURTH Averages 6.3 Million Viewers

PBS announced today that A CAPITOL FOURTH dazzled audiences for a 32nd year. The star-studded celebration took the top spot of the night and averaged 6.3 million viewers (Nielsen Fast National data, 3.8 household rating).

"As the nation's birthday celebration, PBS is honored to present A CAPITOL FOURTH each year from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol," said PBS senior vice president & chief TV programming executive John F. Wilson. "From Broadway performers to Olympic athletes, some of today's brightest stars joined with viewers across the country in a stellar tribute to a beloved holiday."

"Dancing with the Stars" host Tom Bergeron led the nation's 236th birthday celebration, live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Some of America's newly minted favorite performers and household names came together for a night of music and the country's most spectacular display of fireworks. In honor of the London Games, a group of American Olympians joined eight-time medalist Apolo Anton Ohno for a heartfelt sendoff.

"It was a joy to bring together athletes from across the nation before they journey to the London Olympics," said executive producer Jerry Colbert. "The Capitol is a spectacular place to celebrate their current and future achievements, made all the brighter by the dazzling performances and fireworks."

Featured performers included "American Idol" winner Phillip Phillips, Matthew Broderick and Kelli O'Hara, "Smash" star Megan Hilty, "The Voice" winner Javier Colon, country star Josh Turner, Kool & the Gang, English tenor Russell Watson, composer John Williams and the National Symphony Orchestra under conductor Jack Everly.

About PBS PBS, with its nearly 360 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 123 million people through television and more than 21 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS' broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry's most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS' premier children's TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents' and teachers' most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices.

Capital Concerts is the production force behind two of television's longest-running and highest-rated live programs commemorating America's most important holidays. The NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT, the nation's tribute to our men and women in uniform, and A CAPITOL FOURTH, our country's biggest birthday party, have become American traditions that have consistently ranked among the highest rated programs on PBS over the past decade. Both holiday specials have been honored with over 70 awards including the New York Film Festival Award, the Telly Award, the Golden Cine Award, the Videographer Award, the National Education Association Award, the Aurora Award, the Christopher Award, the Communicator's Award, the AXIEM Award, the Omni Award and the Writer's Guild of America Award.

Photo courtesy of Capitol Concerts.

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