America will get to hear from its newest “American Idol” Phillip Phillips as he makes a comeback performance after kidney surgery at this year’s July Fourth celebration on the National Mall.

In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press ahead of Monday’s announcement, the 21-year-old from Leesburg, Ga., said he’s ready to perform after focusing on recovering from a serious kidney surgery since the “Idol” finale in May.

“I’m getting better each day, so that’s a good thing. I’m just walking around, getting my strength back together,” he said by phone from Los Angeles. “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.”

MS diagnosis

New father Jack Osbourne is facing a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

The TV personality and son of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne revealed the diagnosis in an interview with People released Sunday. He told the magazine he was angry and frustrated when he found out, and he’s concerned about his family.

Osbourne and his fiancée Lisa Stelly had daughter Pearl in April.

He has a new TV series, “Haunted Highway,” slated for debut July 3 on Syfy.

Nettles pregnant

Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles is pregnant.

The 37-year-old Grammy-winning country singer and husband Justin Miller are expecting their first child in November.

Sugarland’s manager Gail Gellman said in a statement that the couple is “thrilled beyond belief.”

They couple tied the knot in November.

Animals stay on top

The top five movies from the weekend box office:

1. “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted,” $34.1 million

2. “Prometheus,” $20.7 million

3. “Rock of Ages,” $14.4 million

4. “That’s My Boy,” $13.5 million

5. “Snow White and the Huntsman,” $13.3 million

Happy birthday

Among celebrity birthdays today: Actress Phylicia Rashad is 64. Singer Ann Wilson is 62. Actress Kathleen Turner is 58. Singer Doug Stone is 56. Singer Mark DeBarge is 53. Singer-dancer-choreographer Paula Abdul is 50. Singer-guitarist Brian Vander Ark is 48. Actor Jean Dujardin is 40. Actress Robin Tunney is 40. Actress Poppy Montgomery is 37. Actress Zoe Saldana is 34.