Phillip Phillips Makes First Post-"American Idol" Appearance on "A Capitol Fourth"; Katy Perry & J-Hud

Michael Becker / FOXBy the time July rolls around, most American Idol winners have been all over TV, but that hasn't been the case with the current champ, Phillip Phillips.  Due to his kidney problem, which required extensive surgery, Phillip hasn't made the media rounds since his win, and hasn't performed in public, either.  That all changes on July 4, when he'll be one of the acts performing on the PBS special A Capitol Fourth, which airs live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol at 8 p.m. ET.

Phillip tells ABC News Radio, "I'm really nervous about it 'cause it's [the] first, you know, coming out, I guess you'd say, from American Idol.  So it's gonna be exciting."  Phillip plans to perform his single, "Home," and he's looking forward to checking out the rest of the acts on the bill, who include Amber Riley from Glee, country star Josh Turner, actor Matthew Broderick, Voice season-one winner Javier Colon and R&B legends Kool & the Gang.  Tom Bergeron is the host.

"Matthew Broderick, I used to love watching him, and Kool & the Gang, of course, and Josh Turner," he says, noting who he's most excited about seeing.  "It's a great lineup and I'm excited to meet some new people, as well."

But Phillip says the most important part of the special for him is the fact that our troops all around the world will be able to watch it, and he wants to dedicate his performance to them.  "People serving, you know, giving their life for us...those are the real idols, in my opinion," he says.  "And it's just an honor to be able to play for them, and everyone out there at the Capitol Fourth."

Of course, if he wasn't going to be singing in front of millions of people on July 4, how would he be spending the holiday?  Phillip says, "Probably go to the beach and chill with my friends, and play guitar for them!"

A Capitol Fourth isn't your only option for seeing pop stars on your TV on July 4.  Over on NBC, Katy Perry will headline Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, which starts at 9 p.m.  She tells Parade magazine, "Not to sound overly cheesy but I really appreciate the freedom we have in America -- especially as a female.”

Jennifer Hudson, meanwhile, will belt it out on CBS, performing on the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular starting at 10 p.m.  She tells ABC News Radio that she's looking forward to the special, and laughs, "A 90-piece orchestra?  I live for those moments.  So I can't wait to do that, and we're still going to celebrate the Fourth of July, too.  Right after I finish the last note, [it'll be] 'Let's go party!'"

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio