The giant balloons may be flying at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but the stars will be on the street. Organizers revealed Thursday that actor-singer Jennifer Hudson, dance music icon Kylie Minogue, and Broadway and “Pose” star Billy Porter will all perform, adding an extra layer of star wattage compared to previous years.
The trio will anchor their performances in front of Macy’s iconic Herald Square flagship store. In addition, the parade will feature “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo and Cole Escola, the star and writer of “Oh, Mary!,” the unconventional Broadway hit.
This year’s lineup will join an already stellar group of parade stars. Reality TV’s Ariana Madix, Broadway powerhouse Idina Menzel, hip-hop artist T-Pain, members of the WNBA champions New York Liberty, and country duo Dan + Shay are all on the bill.
Music performers slated to entertain the crowds include The War and Treaty, Lea Salonga, Kylie Cantrall, The Temptations, Chlöe, Charli D’Amelio, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Coco Jones, Walker Hayes, Rachel Platten, Bishop Briggs, Joey McIntyre, Natti Natasha, and ballet dancers Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia.
This beloved holiday tradition will commence at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 28 across all time zones, with actor Alison Brie, the “Glow” star currently starring in Peacock’s “Apples Never Fall,” kicking off the festivities.
The grand event will feature an impressive array of 17 giant character balloons, 22 floats, 15 novelty and heritage inflatables, 11 marching bands, 700 clowns, and 10 performance groups.
NBC will air the parade, and it will also stream on Peacock. “Today” show anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker will serve as hosts, with a Spanish-language simulcast on Telemundo hosted by Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza.
Broadway will also shine through performances from “Death Becomes Her,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” and “The Outsiders,” along with the iconic Radio City Rockettes and “Riverdance” dancers.
The Macy’s parade, a traditional kickoff to the holiday season, attracts spectators who line up a half-dozen deep along the route to cheer on the floats, entertainers, and marching bands. Last year, Cher headlined the event.
