YOU KNOW IT'S a good sign when there are sparks on your first date. For Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey, literal pyrotechnics graced theirs - and there are still plenty of fireworks between the married couple.
"The Fourth of July is really special to my wife and me. We love watching fireworks, especially since we saw them on our first date," Cannon tells us.
This year, the "America's Got Talent" host will also be the emcee of the world's largest fireworks display, the 34th Annual Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular airing on NBC.
Cannon tells us he's excited to participate in the city's festivities.
"This is actually the first time I'll be in New York for the Fourth. And this is going to be a great event."
The celebration will also feature teeny-bopper Justin Bieber and musical performances by the New York Pops and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, all from the decks of the cruise ship the Norwegian 'Epic.'
Last year, the star and his wife were in Los Angeles - not far from Cannon's hometown of San Diego.
"When I was younger, I took a few trips across the border to Mexico to buy fireworks so I could put on a show at home. One year, we nailed one to a tree and it flew off and starting chasing my uncle around the yard. Now I pretty much stick to the safer stuff, like sparklers."
As for his favorite kind of professional pyrotechnics: "I like the ones where you think it's over and then they have a few extra sparks with their own little light surprise show," Cannon says with childlike anticipation.
Sky lights aside, he and Mariah take the holiday pretty seriously.
"We have Fourth of July outfits. She has a little flag bikini with stars and stripes, and I wear my Uncle Sam top hat and flag swim trunks - I'm sure there are photos of us somewhere. We celebrate our patriotism with our wardrobe."
And, they use the nation's birthday to spend time with family.
"My best memories of the Fourth are the past two years - being able to spend it with my wife and reflecting on how much we appreciate each other."
When asked if she'll accompany him while hosting the Macy's spectacular, Cannon gushes, "I'm hoping so! She's diligently working on her holiday album because she has a tight deadline, but we better be together for the holiday. We have to make out while the fireworks are going off!"
Source: The New York Post