Phillip Phillips to make comeback performance on 4th of July telecast

AMERICAN IDOL champion PHILLIP PHILLIPS will make his first live appearance since undergoing kidney surgery at America's upcoming Independence Day celebrations in Washington, D.C.

The 21-year-old singer, who claimed victory on the TV talent contest last month (May12), underwent a six-and-a-half hour operation to remove several large kidney stones on 6 June (12) and now he's gearing up to make his comeback.

He tells the Associated Press, "I'm getting better each day, so that's a good thing. I'm just walking around, getting my strength back together. It was tough, you know, those first few days, but I'm getting to where I can pick the guitar back up and write a little bit."

The reality star, who was recently released from hospital, will sing his hit tune Home on the lawn of the U.S. capitol in front of more than 300,000 fans, and Phillips can't wait to get back on stage.

He adds, "It's probably the biggest thing I've ever done besides American Idol. I'm just excited to get out there and do my first real live performance since everything that's been going on."

Actor Matthew Broderick, country singer Josh Turner and Broadway star Megan Hilty are also set to perform at the event.