1 of 3 | Cynthia Erivo opened up the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City Thursday. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 27 (UPI) — Wicked star Cynthia Erivo kicked off the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City Thursday morning by signing Nina Simone‘s classic, “Feeling Good.”
Airing on NBC and Peacock, the event is being hosted by Today anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker.
It was 39 degrees at step-off and the high temperature for the day in Manhattan is not expected to exceed 45 degrees.
The parade will include 28 floats, 34 balloons, four balloonicles, marching bands, clowns and an appearance by Santa Claus.
Performers are to include Lainey Wilson, who was named Entertainer of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards last week, as well as EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, who sang the songs for KPop Demon Hunters‘ fictional band Huntr/x, and the Radio City Rockettes, who are celebrating their 100th anniversary.
Other celebrities expected to appear are Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Mr. Fantasy, Foreigner, Debbie Gibson, Mickey Guyton, Christopher Jackson, Jewel, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Darlene Love, Roman Mejia, Taylor Momsen, Tiler Peck, Busta Rhymes, Calum Scott, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith, Luisa Sonza and Teyana Taylor.
The Buzz Lightyear balloon makes its way down the parade route during the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as seen from the JW Marriott Essex House in New York City on November 27, 2025. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
