July 4: Ain't That America?

It doesn't feel like July 4 is right around the corner - we're still busily settling into summer mode. But the Boston Pops are busily putting together the details for the annual Boston's 4th of July festivities, and on Thursday it was announced that this year's extravaganza is scheduled to feature some straight-up, blue-jeans, heartland-croonin' Americana.

John Mellencamp is slated to share the stage with Keith Lockhart, the Pops and whomever will be selected as Boston's next POPSearch winner. We know that Mellencamp dropped the name that succinctly summed up his growly vocals, but when Bostonist heard the news, we immediately started telling folks that The Cougar - or, as we like to say, The Coug - is coming to Boston. Rock on. Start practicing your "Jack and Diane" and "Little Pink Houses" singalongs.

Lest we let The Coug completely overshadow the talent search now underway, the big question is that of who is going to take home the crown, $5,000 and chance to share that July 4 stage. The Globe's Geoff Edgers pointed out recently that there's been a bit of a shakeup among the elite voices still in the competitive mix. As it turns out, one of those who advanced to the top seven, Lauren Dutterer, was disqualified because she is already a singing champ.

Karaoke counts, people. When Keith Lockhart says he's looking for an amateur, he means amateur.

Image of an old-school JM release from Amazon