MUMBAI:  American Idol 14's newly crowned winner, Nick Fradiani, to perform the National Anthem, honouring the service and sacrifice of all our men and women in uniform, their families at home and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, on Memorial Day weekend.

The 26th annual broadcast of the National Memorial Day Concert airs live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on PBS Sunday, 24 May, 2015 from 8 to 9.30 pm ET, before an on-site audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network.

"I feel honoured to be able to sing at the U.S. Capitol on the eve of Memorial Day," said Fradiani.  "It is an incredible opportunity to pay my deepest respects to our soldiers and military families for their service and sacrifice."

The multi award-winning program will be co-hosted for the tenth year by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise, two acclaimed actors who have dedicated themselves to veterans causes and supporting our troops in active service.  In addition to Fradiani, the all-star line-up includes: distinguished American leader General Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.); seven-time Grammy Award-winner, and international superstar Gloria Estefan; Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning actor Laurence Fishburne; actor/producer/director Esai Morales; The Voice season five winner Tessanne Chin; acclaimed film and television actress Stefanie Scott; actor/musician Jason Dolley; Tony Award-winning actress and singer Laura Benanti; the world's most prolific classical cross-over star Katherine Jenkins; and world renowned tenor Russell Watson in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.