He’s a one-time American Idol finalist and a country singing star in his own right.

But Josh Gracin has one more accolade that will help him relate to many of the men and women who will gather Sunday at Woodward Park - former U.S. Marine.

 Gracin, who has four top 10 hits under his belt including the No. 1 “Nothin’ to Lose” from 2004 is staging a free concert Sunday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with aerial fireworks to follow.

The $12,000 tab is being picked by the organizers of the all-day Memorial Day Weekend event that includes ceremonies honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, military flyovers, a car show with over 400 entries so far, the dedication of the 10th panel of the traveling tribute to those who have died so far in the War on Terror and a number of other events including aerial fireworks to celebrate the safe return home of those who have served in war.

Gracin , 30, first gained attention as the fourth-place finisher during the second season of American Idol. After being eliminated from the show, he finished his Marine Crops service then signed a deal with Lyric Street Records after receiving an honorable discharge.

His debut album in 2004 produced the No. 1 hit “Nothin’ to Lose” as well as two more Top Five song on the Billboard country chart. His second album - “We Weren’t Crazy” - was released in 2008. It generated five more chart singles.

As a 16-year-old, Gracin performed on stage at the Grand Ole Opry in a national talent show. He attended Western Michigan University before joining the Marines. After boot camp, he became a supply clerk at Camp Pendleton. He attended the rank of lance corporal while serving in the Marines from 2000 to 2004.