Do the Performers Sing Live or Lip-Sync at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? Here's What Past Singers Have Said

Mar. 15, 2025

Mariah Carey sings during the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.Photo:Cara Howe/NBC via Getty

Cara Howe/NBC via Getty

TheMacy’s Thanksgiving Day Paradeis an annual event filled with giant balloons, massive crowds and unforgettable performances — though not all of them are as live as they may seem.

The beloved Thanksgiving tradition debuted in 1924, and has since showcased hundreds of iconic performances from Broadway stars, solo artists and musical sensations, includingMiley Cyrusin 2008 andAriana Grandein 2013.

In response, Macy’s put out a statement onX(formerly Twitter) apologizing for the glitches that affected the performances.

“During today’s NBC broadcast of the #MacysParade several recording artists experienced technical difficulties that negatively impacted their performance. We apologize and want fans to know these issues were out of the artist’s control,” the post read.

Since then, some artists have continued to lip-sync, while others have confirmed that their vocals are live — adding anticipation ahead of the 2024 New York City parade, which features renowned vocalists such asIdina MenzelandCynthia Erivo.

So why do some singers lip-sync at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Here’s what past performers have said about singing live on the big day.

What have performers said about lip-syncing at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

John Legend performs during The 92nd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.Eric Liebowitz/NBC

Eric Liebowitz/NBC

“We all have to lip sync on this parade because the floats don’t have the capacity to handle the sound requirements for a live performance. Hope y’all enjoyed it anyway. Know that if you come to my shows, the vocals are 100% live!” the singer wrote.

After making his post, Oraresponded, “Fun fact @johnlegend thank you for clarifying what I was about to also tweet. It’s annoying for us but anyway! All my shows are 100 percent live always have been! When you come to a ORA show get ready!”

Many fanscommentedtheir support and noted the freezing temperatures that day, while others asked if the “All of Me” singer was simply moving his mouth during the lip-sync or still singing.

Legendclarified, “I sang exactly as I would’ve if you could hear me. I figure that’s the only way to believably do it. But I’m not an expert in these matters.”

What have performers said about singing live?

Kelly Clarkson performs during The 92nd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.Eric Liebowitz/NBC

After chatter began that year about all of the artists lip-syncing,Kelly Clarksonwas quick to confirm that her performance — andBrynn Cartelli’s — was live.

“Umm, I don’t know if y’all know this, but that was live! Brynn Cartelli, thank you — singing in this cold weather with me. It’s so cold in New York,” theAmerican Idolalum wrote on Instagram, perE! News. “I just wanted y’all to know, you probably all thought that sounded so good from Brynn Cartelli, but that was live, as well. So Brynn Cartelli’s just rocking those runs this morning. I didn’t even give those runs this morning. I was like, nope! Anyway, happy Thanksgiving, y’all!”

So, can the performers choose whether they sing live or lip-sync?

While it seems certain performers have chosen to sing live in the past and others have lip-synced, it’s unclear whether they are given a choice.

Macy’s did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment at this time.

Who is performing at the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Cynthia Erivo ; Billy Porter ; Jennifer Hudson.Mike Coppola/Getty ; Amy Sussman/Getty ; Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

Mike Coppola/Getty ; Amy Sussman/Getty ; Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

A star-studdedlineup of performerswill be highlighted in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Tony Award winner Menzel is slated to perform while on the Bronx Zoo’s “Wondrous World of Wildlife” float, and was spotted rehearsing a song from her upcoming Broadway musicalRedwood.

Additionally,T-Painwill make his Macy’s parade debut while aboard turkey brand Jennie-O’s float.

“I’ve got some surprises up my sleeve to help make it a happy turkey day and celebrate the start of the holiday season!” the rapper said in a statement, perCBS News.

The lineup includes additional acclaimed talents such asLea Salonga,Rachel Platten,Dan + Shay,Dasha,Ariana Madix, Cynthia Erivo andJimmy Fallon& The Roots, among others.

source: people.com