Cynthia Erivo dazzled the crowd at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with a truly enchanting performance. Known for her role in Wicked: For Good, Erivo opened the festivities by singing “Feeling Good,” a song famously popularized by Nina Simone. The performance on New York City streets was a nod to her theatrical roots and showcased her impeccable vocal talent. As the holiday season kicked off, this standout moment left the audience in awe and set a magical tone for the rest of the parade.
A Touch of Magic in NYC
Cynthia Erivo brought a touch of Oz to the Thanksgiving Day Parade as she captivated viewers with her opening act. Performing “Feeling Good” from a dark, circular platform, Erivo added her unique flair to the song originally composed by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse. Dressed in an elegant oxblood gown complemented by a fur coat and a tilted fedora, she delivered a soul-stirring rendition that earned thunderous applause from the audience.
Behind the Scenes
Before her breathtaking performance, Erivo hinted at her plans during an appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers. Keeping the song choice under wraps, she expressed her excitement about performing steadily on firm ground, joking about preferring to stay put after recent energetic performances. Her participation was particularly special, aligning with her role as Elphaba in the recently released Wicked: For Good film by Jon M. Chu, which has been a massive box office hit.
A Star-Studded Parade
The Thanksgiving celebration continued with performances from stars like Lainey Wilson, Ciara, the voices behind KPop Demon Hunters, Conan Gray, Russell Dickerson, and Busta Rhymes. Excitement filled the air as new character balloons, including Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, Shrek’s Onion Carriage, and Mario, made their debut.
A Timeless Tradition
Jen Neal, an NBCUniversal executive, emphasized the parade’s place in families’ hearts across the nation, underscoring its enduring appeal. She stated, “The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade brings families together like nothing else on television and remains a beloved tradition for millions.” This iconic event was broadcast on NBC, Telemundo, and streamed on Peacock, ensuring everyone could partake in the joy and magic of the opening day.
