Cynthia Erivo will bring her powerhouse vocals to the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as its opening act—a strategically timed, star-powered kickoff that highlights the Parade’s deep ties to Broadway and sets the stage for a historic holiday event.
The 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to make history with Cynthia Erivo—the celebrated star of Wicked and triple Academy Award nominee—confirmed as this year’s opening performer, according to USA TODAY.
Erivo’s performance lands just days after the release of Wicked: For Good, the blockbuster sequel anticipated to dominate multiplexes and cultural conversations alike. While officials have yet to announce her full setlist, fans can expect to be treated to some of the most iconic numbers from Wicked—proving once again how the Parade serves as a national stage for Broadway’s brightest talents.
A Holiday Tradition Redefined: The Power of a Broadway Opener
The Macy’s Parade is renowned for its blend of pop culture, music, and Broadway excellence. Landing Erivo—whose résumé spans Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Awards—cements the Parade’s reputation for A-list showmanship and cultural resonance. This isn’t just another performance: it’s a statement that the Parade remains at the cutting edge of both music and theater, year after year.
This marks a notable resurgence for Parade openers from the world of musical theater at a time when live Broadway has never been more in demand for big broadcast moments. For the millions tuning in, the Parade is not only a kickoff for the holidays, but a celebration of New York’s enduring cultural influence—now channeled through one of Broadway’s biggest contemporary stars.
Cynthia Erivo: The Face of the Season—and Broadway’s Transformation
The big-stage moment comes as Erivo continues to chart an extraordinary path in entertainment—from her breakout role in The Color Purple to her acclaimed work in both the first Wicked film and its follow-up. Her ascent mirrors Broadway’s evolving relationship with popular culture and filmed adaptations, bridging stage and screen for a diverse, global audience.
Her return to the Parade is especially meaningful for fans who remember her 2024 appearance, when she discussed the first Wicked movie and celebrated broadcast legend Hoda Kotb with a memorable floral tribute on the TODAY Show before Kotb’s retirement. Now, Erivo steps into the spotlight not just as a guest—but as the headliner for the event that opens the nation’s Thanksgiving morning.
Beyond the Opener: Performers Set to Define the 2025 Parade
The Parade’s tradition of bringing together chart-toppers and Broadway legends continues with a star-studded lineup. Fans can anticipate appearances and performances from:
- EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI—the voices from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters
- Broadway productions Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time, and Ragtime
- The iconic Radio City Rockettes, celebrating their 100th anniversary
- Pop and rock stars including Colbie Caillat, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, Foreigner, Taylor Momsen, Busta Rhymes, Calum Scott, and Teyana Taylor
This lineup encapsulates the Parade’s long-standing mission: celebrating the spectrum of American music and artistry live on national television.
When and Where to Watch: What Fans Need to Know
The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will broadcast on NBC and Peacock at 8:30 a.m. across all U.S. time zones. Encores will air at 2 p.m. ET/PT, providing ample opportunity for families from coast to coast to witness the spectacle. Veteran hosts Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, and Al Roker will anchor the coverage, ensuring the familiar warmth fans have come to expect each year.
With this stellar start and stacked lineup, the Parade anticipates record viewers and a fresh wave of social buzz—elevating the event well beyond a mere procession of balloons and floats into a cultural bellwether for the holiday season.
Fan Culture and Theories: The Parade’s Lasting Impact and Social Engagement
The Erivo announcement has already ignited robust discussion across fan communities. Wicked fans are abuzz with speculation over which show-stopping number she might perform—and how her appearance might be staged for broadcast spectacle. The social media anticipation suggests the Parade is not only a tradition, but an event that continues to make musical theater and pop culture resonate in real time.
- Fans widely speculate about an opening mashup featuring “Defying Gravity,” signaling the crossover between Wicked fandom and the larger Parade audience.
- With the Rockettes’ centenary and the inclusion of contemporary pop and rap stars, the Parade is expected to be a live showcase that appeals across generations.
Why This Lineup—and Erivo’s Headlining Role—Matters for 2025 and Beyond
For 99 years, the Parade has mirrored American music and culture, adapting to new trends while preserving its traditions. In making Cynthia Erivo both a symbol of Broadway’s present and a star for a new generation of Parade viewers, event planners are doubling down on the enduring bond between live musical performance, broadcast spectacle, and national celebration.
As pop, rap, K-Pop, and Broadway collide on 34th Street, this year’s opening act sets the stage for the Parade’s centennial milestone in 2026—a harbinger that the event will only grow more relevant, diverse, and spectacular.
Stay on onlytrustedinfo.com for the most immediate, expert analysis of entertainment’s biggest moments—your guide to the stories, context, and cultural power moves that define today’s entertainment landscape.
