Cynthia Erivo has a way of making any stage feel too small for her talent, and now she’s about to take over one of the biggest stages in the world: the opening of the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The moment the clock hits 8:30 a.m. in every American time zone, the Tony, Emmy, and Grammy winner will burst onto NBC and Peacock with a powerhouse performance crafted to jump-start the holiday season.
This year’s Parade is shaping up to be especially cinematic. Erivo is at the center of the hype thanks to her role as Elphaba in the beloved “Wicked” film, already making her one of entertainment’s most-watched names. Toss her into the middle of the most-watched entertainment broadcast of the year, and you’ve got the kind of cultural moment that lights up group chats before breakfast.
A Star-Packed Morning on 34th Street
While Erivo handles the opening fireworks, the lineup waiting behind her is practically a playlist of pop, Broadway, nostalgia, and everything in between. Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, and EJAE will bring the vocal energy of Netflix’s HUNTR/X from “KPop Demon Hunters” straight to Herald Square. Broadway is rolling deep too, with hits from “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time,” and “Ragtime.”
Then there are the Radio City Rockettes, who are not only iconic but also celebrating an impressive century of high kicks. Anyone who has ever tried to touch their toes before coffee will appreciate the achievement.
A Mega-List of Music Stars You’ll Spot Along the Route
More than 3.5 million spectators will be lining the streets of New York, and they’ll have plenty of music legends and rising stars to cheer for. The Parade’s guest list reads like the world’s most chaotic yet delightful Spotify shuffle. Expect appearances and performances from Ciara, Jewel, Matteo Bocelli, Gavin DeGraw, Debbie Gibson, Shaggy, Colbie Caillat, Busta Rhymes, Kool & the Gang, Meg Donnelly, Lauren Spencer Smith, Teyana Taylor, and many more.
Sprinkle in Olympic and Paralympic athletes Ilia Malinin and Jack Wallace, plus special correspondent Sean Evans from the “Hot Ones”.
A Parade That’s Bigger Than Ever
The 99th edition is leaning all the way in. Picture more than 5,000 volunteers, 34 balloons, 4 ballonicles (lovingly described as balloon-vehicles), 28 floats, 14 specialty units, 33 clown groups, 11 marching bands, and performance crews moving through Manhattan like a holiday fever dream. Santa anchors the finale, as always, reminding us that Christmas is coming up next.
For those who like their holidays with a side of anticipation, NBC and Peacock are serving a primetime special the night before. “Countdown to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” hosted by Melissa Peterman, airs Nov. 26 at 8 p.m. live from the starting line. Viewers get an early peek at the floats, balloons, bands, and behind-the-scenes magic before they roll into action.
Parades usually rely on nostalgia to draw viewers, but this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is stepping confidently into pop-culture-moment territory. Erivo’s opening number alone feels like an instant conversation starter, and the lineup is stacked enough to keep viewers glued through every balloon and brass section.
The Parade is ready to deliver Broadway, pop music, classic Americana, blockbuster-level star power, and 33 groups of clowns, all before lunch.