WASHINGTON (AP) — America will get to hear from its newest "American Idol" Phillip Phillips as he makes a comeback performance following 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."