Great American Media launches anthem campaign for 250th birthday

Nationwide effort invites Americans to sing the national anthem for a July 4 showcase.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:41pm

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A bold, abstract composition of jagged, geometric shapes in the colors of the American flag, representing the patriotic spirit of the national anthem without any text or literal imagery.The 'America Sings the Anthem' campaign invites a diverse range of voices to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday through a shared expression of patriotism.NYC Today

Great American Media is calling on voices across the country to help mark the United States' upcoming 250th birthday celebration. The company announced a new initiative, 'America Sings the Anthem,' encouraging individuals and groups to submit videos of themselves performing 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' Submissions will be accepted through May 25, 2026, and select performances will be featured across Great American Media platforms, including Great American Family, beginning on July 4, 2026.

Why it matters

The 'America Sings the Anthem' campaign is designed to highlight a wide range of voices, styles, and communities across the country as part of the nation's 250th birthday celebration. The initiative is open to all ages and includes choirs, schools, military families, and other organizations, providing an opportunity for Americans to come together and celebrate their country's history and values.

The details

Participants can record their performance in a variety of settings, including homes, churches, schools, or community spaces. Submissions must be 90 seconds or less and uploaded through an online form. The initiative is not a contest, and there are no rankings or winners. Instead, submissions will be reviewed for inclusion in the national showcase, with some performances helping to open the network's broadcast day, leading the 6 a.m. sign-on with the national anthem beginning July 4, 2026.

  • Submissions will be accepted through May 25, 2026.
  • Featured performances will begin airing July 4, 2026, as part of the broader celebration of America's 250th birthday.

The players

Great American Media

A media company that announced the 'America Sings the Anthem' initiative to celebrate the United States' 250th birthday.

Bill Abbott

The president and CEO of Great American Media, who stated that the National Anthem is a reminder of America's exceptionalism and the sacrifices behind the freedoms enjoyed by the country.

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What they’re saying

“The National Anthem is a reminder of America's exceptionalism and the sacrifices behind the freedoms we enjoy. As we approach America's 250th, we wanted to create something that helps us pause and celebrate our country.”

— Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Great American Media

What’s next

Submissions will be reviewed from May 26 through June 14, 2026, before the featured performances begin airing on July 4, 2026.

The takeaway

The 'America Sings the Anthem' campaign provides an opportunity for Americans across the country to come together and celebrate the nation's 250th birthday through a shared expression of patriotism and community. By inviting a diverse range of participants to submit their renditions of the national anthem, the initiative aims to capture the unity and diversity that defines the United States.