Cynthia Erivo is set to launch the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with an electrifying performance from ‘Wicked: For Good’, marking a game-changing fusion of Broadway spectacle and holiday tradition for millions of viewers.
Thanksgiving morning 2025 promises to be unforgettable, as Cynthia Erivo headlines the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with a show-stopping live performance from ‘Wicked: For Good’. This extraordinary kickoff, set merely six days after the highly-anticipated film’s nationwide release, cements the parade’s legacy as the nation’s most-watched fusion of holiday pageantry and star-studded entertainment [NBC Insider].
Why Cynthia Erivo’s Opening Marks a Major Holiday and Broadway Milestone
This isn’t just a performance—it’s a defining moment in musical and pop culture crossover. Cynthia Erivo‘s triple-threat credentials as a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award winner bring unmatched gravitas to the event. She takes the stage just days after the nationwide premier of ‘Wicked: For Good’—the film adaptation of Broadway’s beloved reimagining of the Land of Oz—building on a tidal wave of nostalgia and excitement that’s gripped fans for two decades [NBC Insider].
With massive expectations riding on the film’s success, this opening number showcases the franchise’s musical magic to millions. Past Macy’s Parade musical openings have propelled Broadway productions and movie musicals to instant pop culture status, and this year’s broadcast is poised to amplify ‘Wicked’s’ cultural cachet even further.
‘Wicked’ on Parade: From Broadway Classic to Thanksgiving Morning Sensation
The original ‘Wicked’ musical, first debuting on Broadway in 2003, rapidly became a phenomenon, capturing fans with its untold story of the witches of Oz and hit songs like “Defying Gravity.” The anticipation for the new film adaptation, with Erivo leading as Elphaba, has ignited fresh interest and fan frenzy, making its presence at the parade an event in itself [NBC Insider].
- The 2025 Macy’s Parade marks not only the parade’s 99th edition but also a symbolic convergence of Broadway revival and family tradition.
- The opening performance is expected to feature a bold medley that showcases Erivo’s powerful vocals and the new film’s signature energy.
- For longtime ‘Wicked’ fans, this is a full-circle moment—one that reunites the community and introduces a new generation to Elphaba’s story, live and in living color.
Who Else Joins the Lineup? A Star-Studded Thanksgiving for the Ages
Erivo’s celebrated opening sets the tone for a morning stacked with music industry legends, Broadway talent, and television icons. The performer roster reads like a Who’s Who of pop and stage:
- Drew Baldridge
- Matteo Bocelli
- Colbie Caillat
- Ciara
- Gavin DeGraw
- Meg Donnelly
- Mr. Fantasy, Foreigner, Debbie Gibson, Mickey Guyton, Jewel, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Darlene Love, Roman Mejia, Taylor Momsen, Tiler Peck, Busta Rhymes, Calum Scott, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith, Luísa Sonza, and Teyana Taylor.
- Musical numbers from Broadway’s Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time, and Ragtime.
- The Radio City Rockettes mark their 100th Anniversary with a spectacular routine.
- Appearances from stars including Nikki DeLoach, US Olympian Ilia Malinin, US Paralympian Jack Wallace, and special correspondent Sean Evans.
Bigger Than a Broadcast: Why the Parade’s Opening Performance Matters for Fans
For longtime parade watchers, a Broadway musical opening is the signal that the holidays—and Broadway magic—have officially arrived. Wicked fans have long theorized that a major movie release would finally bridge stage and screen for mainstream audiences, and Erivo’s live broadcast delivers on that wish with unprecedented scale.
The parade has a storied history of elevating musicals: past performances have directly led to box-office successes, ticket booms, and viral moments. Broadway history is full of fan-favorite moments that began here, from showstopping ensemble pieces to the debuts of future household names.
How to Watch—And What to Expect from the Spectacle
The parade begins live on Thursday, November 27 at 8:30 a.m. across all US time zones on NBC and Peacock, with a full encore at 2 p.m. ET/PT. This year’s hosting team—Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker—ensures steady hands at the helm as fans immerse themselves in high-wire performances, balloon magic, and Santa’s iconic arrival [NBC Insider].
- More than 5,000 volunteers, 34 balloons, 28 floats, 14 specialty units, and 33 clown groups participate.
- The event also marks a historic 99th appearance—building toward 2026’s monumental 100th Macy’s Parade.
The Fan Community: Hopes Realized, Anticipation Renewed
For fans, this year’s Thanksgiving delivers the convergence of two cherished traditions: the magic of ‘Wicked’ and the spectacle of the parade. Many in the fandom have campaigned for main cast musical numbers and longed to see Broadway films given greater national spotlight. Erivo’s headline performance—paired with an all-star lineup—fulfills years of fan theories that modern musicals can capture the parade’s prime opening slot.
Expect intense online buzz, robust social discussion, and a reinvigorated love for both Broadway and parade culture as the curtain rises on this can’t-miss moment.
Looking Forward: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Holiday Performance
The blend of Broadway brilliance and parade pageantry at the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade demonstrates how entertainment’s most treasured traditions continually evolve. With Cynthia Erivo taking center stage, fans are in for a dazzling kickoff that will be discussed—and replayed—for seasons to come.
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