Happy Birthday, America. And I’m not talking only about America Ferrera, star of “Ugly Betty,” appearing tonight on a repeat of “Late Show with David Letterman.” Viewers can celebrate our 232nd anniversary of independence with plenty of fireworks, performances by pop, country and classical artists, and no shortage of “American Idol” finalists.

Jordin Sparks and Katharine McPhee perform on the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular (8 p.m., NBC), along with Kenny Chesney and Natasha Bedingfield. Look for “Today” personalities Natalie Morales and Tiki Barber to do a little moonlighting.

Not to be outdone in the “Idol” department, “A Capitol Fourth” (7 p.m., PBS) includes a performance by Taylor Hicks. He’ll be joined by rock ‘n’ roll immortal Jerry Lee Lewis as well as 1980s pop idol Huey Lewis. Look for Broadway favorite Brian Stokes Mitchell and classical performers Hayley Westenra and Harolyn Blackwell and the National Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of top pops conductor Erich Kunzel. Jimmy Smits hosts the 28th annual broadcast from Washington, D.C.

“Late, Late Show” host Craig Ferguson presides over the “Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular” (9 p.m., CBS), featuring country band Rascal Flatts and the Boston Pops, under the direction of Keith Lockhart.

And not all “Idol” talent will be singing under fireworks. Current “Idol” champ David Cook can be seen on a repeat of “The Tonight Show.”

¢ Looking for programming that commemorates the real reason for the holiday, the signing of the Declaration of Independence? HBO will broadcast all seven episodes of “John Adams” (noon to 8 p.m, HBO) in consecutive order. Viewers who don’t have HBO or nine hours to spare can enjoy “Declaration of Independence” (9:42 p.m., TCM), starring Ted Osbourne. This 18-minute film from 1938 won an Oscar for best short subject.

¢ Viewers in search of a more offbeat celebration of all things American can sample “Pod Bless America” (5 p.m., Current TV), a sampling of short podcasts capturing competitions and performances that express “Americana” in very different ways. They range from chicken calling and Detroit hip-hop to lawn mower racing and something called “redneck games.”

¢ Comedian Tom Mabe launches his new series, “Mabe in America” (9:30 p.m., CMT), and the network is so certain that it will amuse that it’s promising $10 gas cards to those who don’t find it funny. Details about can be found on www.mabeinamerica.cmt.com.

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ U.S. Olympic swimming trials (7 p.m., NBC).

¢ Eddie Murphy stars in the 2003 comedy “Daddy Day Care” (7 p.m., Fox).

¢ Dean Cain hosts “The 2008 Hero Awards” (7 p.m., MyNetwork), honoring familiar faces as well as unknown neighbors responsible for acts of bravery, philanthropy and kindness.

¢ With fewer than two weeks to go before the big day, yet another bride can’t fit into her gown on “Wedding SOS” (8 p.m., Fine Living Network).

¢ Robbers target posh spots on “Numb3rs” (8 p.m., CBS).

¢ Scheduled on “Dateline” (9 p.m., NBC): 2008 has become the deadliest year for tornadoes on record.

¢ Scheduled on “20/20” (9 p.m., ABC): popular summer myths.