It marks the first live concert gig Hicks has accepted since 43 million viewers watched him crowned as the "American Idol" winner last month, said Taylor Macdonald, executive director of America's Freedom Foundation, which stages the annual patriotic extravaganza.

"He's about as hot as they get on the planet right now," said Macdonald, who likes Hicks' cross-generational appeal. "He is upbeat. He is fun. He's got an unlikely head of gray hair. And when you hear his voice, you know it's him."

The Alabama native will make his Utah debut four days before he joins the "American Idols Live" tour, which kicks off July 5 in Manchester, N.H. That 54-city tour is not scheduled to come to Utah.

Hicks, 29, joins a Stadium of Fire entertainment lineup that also includes country singer Lee Ann Womack, marching bands and, of course, a huge fireworks show. Nearly 50,000 people are expected to attend the event, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Lavell Edwards Stadium, Macdonald said.

Tickets are $20-$100. Call 801-422-BYU1 or visit http://www .byutickets.com.

griggs@sltrib.com