DC July 4 features David Archuleta, Gladys Knight

[June 23, 2010]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- "American Idol" runner-up David Archuleta (ar-choo-LET'-ah) and Gladys Knight will perform at the annual July Fourth holiday concert in Washington.

"A Capitol Fourth" will be broadcast live from the west lawn of the Capitol at 8 p.m. on PBS stations.

Actor Jimmy Smits is hosting the event. Reba McEntire, Darius Rucker and the National Symphony Orchestra are also scheduled to perform.

The 19-year-old Archuleta was the 2008 "American Idol" runner-up. He'll sing the National Anthem -- a song he says he loves to perform.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to turn out for the concert.

The program is celebrating its 30th anniversary on the air. It will end with a 17-minute fireworks show.

[Associated Press; By LAUREN SAUSSER]

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