Cynthia Erivo Delivers Powerhouse Performance at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Cynthia Erivo launched the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with a commanding rendition of Nina Simone’s ‘Feeling Good,’ her voice soaring through scats and sustained notes despite a recent vocal setback. Just 10 days earlier, the ‘Wicked: For Good’ star had lost her voice during press for the musical’s New York City premiere, forcing her to skip interviews and appear subdued on ‘The Tonight Show’ on November 19. Backed solely by piano on a Herald Square stage, Erivo channeled raw emotion into the anthem of renewal, marking a triumphant return for the Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner. Her delivery drew immediate praise for its intensity, underscoring her transition from Broadway stages to Hollywood blockbusters.
Erivo’s ensemble amplified the performance’s elegance, featuring a monochromatic maroon coat from Max Mara draped over a textured matching set, cinched at the waist with a belt and crowned by a coordinating hat. Platform boots elevated her stature, adding a modern edge to the holiday tradition’s spectacle. The outfit’s rich burgundy hue evoked autumnal warmth, complemented by layered jewels that caught the morning light amid 22 giant character balloons and 37 floats parading down the 2.5-mile route. Choreographed dancers in synchronized formation flanked her, weaving through confetti bursts as the 28-musician lineup prepared to follow.
The parade, broadcast live on NBC and Peacock from 9 a.m. ET, assembled a diverse roster of 28 performers spanning genres and generations. Ciara followed with high-energy choreography on a float themed around empowerment, her set drawing from recent singles and past hits like ‘Level Up.’ Busta Rhymes brought rapid-fire rhymes to a hip-hop segment, collaborating with emerging rappers on a float honoring urban culture. Country artist Lainey Wilson contributed twang-infused tracks, while Teyana Taylor fused R&B with athletic flair in a basketball-themed procession.
K-pop group Huntrix, voicing characters from the animated ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ integrated holographic effects into their float performance, blending synthetic beats with live vocals. Calum Scott delivered acoustic ballads from a storybook float, his tenor cutting through the crowd’s cheers. Christopher Jackson, known for originating Alexander Hamilton on Broadway, led a ensemble medley of show tunes, joined by Colbie Caillat for harmonious pop interludes. The Rockettes marked their centennial with precision kicks on the finale float, syncing to a medley of holiday classics.
Macy’s tradition, originating in 1924 as a retail promotion, now draws over 3.5 million spectators annually, with an additional 50 million tuning in via television. This year’s event featured 11 marching bands from across the U.S., including the Macy’s Great American Marching Band with 400 musicians. Security protocols included 60-foot balloon tethers adjusted for 15 mph winds, ensuring safe navigation past Central Park West. Erivo’s opener set a tone of resilience, mirroring the parade’s evolution from department store novelty to national emblem of gratitude. Performers rehearsed for weeks in secret, coordinating with NBC for seamless transitions across the three-hour broadcast.
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