The Roots act as house band for Nicki Minaj

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Roots worked as the house band for top-selling acts like Nicki Minaj and Ed Sheeran for its annual free concert Friday in Philadelphia celebrating Independence Day.

U.K.-based Sheeran closed the three-hour event that also featured Jennifer Hudson and Aloe Blacc.

Sheeran sang "The A Team" as well as his latest hit, "Sing." The latter track is from his new album, "+," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart this week.

The event starred Questlove, Black Thought and other members of the hip-hop band.

Minaj performed "Super Bass," ''Pills N Potions" and closed with "Moment 4 Life."

Pop singer Ariana Grande was supposed to be part of the lineup Friday, but her representative said she had to pull out because of a family emergency.

Hudson belted her signature high notes, especially on "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going."