5 Jaw-Dropping Moments From Cynthia Erivo's Triumphant 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Performance

Cynthia Erivo cemented her status as one of the world's most powerful vocalists and a true theatrical superstar on Thursday, November 27, 2025, when she opened the 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Fresh off the global premiere of *Wicked: For Good*, the actress and singer delivered a show-stopping performance that instantly became the most talked-about moment of the holiday event, setting an electrifying tone for the entire parade. Her presence on the iconic stage was a triumphant return to the spotlight, captivating millions of viewers with her signature blend of raw power and emotional depth.

This appearance was more than just a musical number; it was a cultural moment, perfectly timed with her starring role as Elphaba in the highly anticipated two-part *Wicked* film series. Erivo's performance of a classic song resonated deeply, showcasing the vocal prowess that has earned her multiple prestigious awards and nominations. The combination of her powerhouse voice, the festive atmosphere of the parade, and the sheer scale of the event created an unforgettable experience for everyone watching.

Cynthia Erivo: A Profile in Power and Acclaim

Cynthia Erivo is a British actress, singer, and songwriter celebrated for her extraordinary talent across film, television, and stage. Her journey to international stardom is marked by critical acclaim and a near-EGOT status, a testament to her versatility and dedication to her craft. Her theatrical roots and powerful vocal range have made her a dominant force in the entertainment industry.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

• Full Name: Cynthia Onyedinmanasu Chinasa Erivo
• Date of Birth: January 8, 1987
• Place of Birth: Stockwell, London, England
• Nationality: British
• Notable Awards: Tony Award (Best Actress in a Musical), Grammy Award (Best Musical Theater Album), Daytime Emmy Award (Outstanding Musical Performance in a Daytime Program)
• Major Nominations (EGOT-Adjacent): Two Academy Award nominations (Best Actress, Best Original Song), Golden Globe Award nomination, Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award nomination.
• Breakthrough Role: Celie in the Broadway revival of *The Color Purple* (2015-2017).
• Key Film Roles: Harriet Tubman in *Harriet* (2019), Holly Gibney in *The Outsider* (2020), Elphaba in *Wicked* (2024) and *Wicked: For Good* (2025).
• Current Project Focus: The two-part film adaptation of the Broadway musical *Wicked*, where she stars as the legendary green-skinned witch, Elphaba.

The 2025 Macy's Parade Opening: A Masterclass in Vocal Power

The 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade needed an opening act that could match the energy and grandeur of the event, and Cynthia Erivo delivered far beyond expectations. Her performance was not just a song; it was a statement, a moment of pure, unadulterated vocal artistry that silenced any critics and thrilled her devoted fanbase. The choice of song was particularly significant, tying into themes of hope and new beginnings.

1. The Choice of "Feeling Good" by Nina Simone

Erivo chose to kick off the parade with a roaring rendition of the classic song "Feeling Good," famously performed by the legendary Nina Simone. This was a powerful and deliberate selection. The song, with its themes of freedom, a new dawn, and strength ("It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me, and I'm feeling good"), felt incredibly resonant. Erivo's interpretation was less a cover and more a reinvention, injecting her own soul-stirring, gospel-tinged power into the jazz standard. The performance immediately set an energized and celebratory tone for the entire Thanksgiving Day broadcast.

2. The Iconic Burgundy Look That Stole the Show

Beyond the music, Erivo’s fashion choice became an instant viral sensation. She stunned the crowd in a rich, dramatic burgundy outfit that perfectly complemented the holiday season while maintaining a high-fashion edge. The ensemble, which featured luxurious textures and a bold silhouette, was a masterclass in celebrity parade style. Her look, often described as an "instant hit," earned widespread praise from fashion critics and viewers alike, further solidifying her status as a style icon. This visual spectacle enhanced the impact of her vocal performance, ensuring she was unforgettable from every angle.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

3. The Strategic Timing After Her *Wicked* Premiere

Erivo's appearance came just days after the global release of *Wicked: For Good* (Part Two), which premiered on November 21, 2025. This timing was a brilliant piece of promotional synergy. Her role as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, is arguably the biggest cinematic role of her career, and the parade provided a massive platform to keep her—and the film—in the public consciousness during the crucial holiday box office window. The energy and confidence she displayed on the Macy's stage felt like a victory lap following the positive reception of the movie, linking her personal triumph to the festive national celebration.

The *Wicked* Connection: Elphaba Takes Manhattan

While Cynthia Erivo did not perform a song directly from *Wicked*, her entire presence was a subtle but powerful nod to the Land of Oz. The performance on the streets of Manhattan served as a perfect bridge between her theatrical past and her cinematic future.

The "Defying Gravity" of Her Career

The themes of "Feeling Good" are surprisingly parallel to the journey of Elphaba in *Wicked*, a character who finds her own power and self-acceptance. Erivo's performance felt like a declaration of her own "Defying Gravity" moment—a star at the peak of her powers, commanding the attention of millions. Her ability to transition seamlessly from a Tony-winning Broadway star to a major Hollywood leading lady is a rare feat, and the Macy's Parade was a high-profile demonstration of her global reach.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

A Star on the Rise, Even Higher

The relentless press tour for the two *Wicked* films, the first of which was released in 2024, has kept Erivo in the headlines for two years. Her performance at the 99th Annual Parade was a reminder that she is not just an actress, but a vocalist whose talent is undeniable and unmatched. Entities like Ariana Grande (who plays Glinda in the *Wicked* films), Jon M. Chu (the director), and Stephen Schwartz (the composer) are all part of the massive ecosystem surrounding her career, and the Macy's stage amplified her personal connection to this blockbuster franchise. The parade showcased her ability to deliver a show-stopping live vocal performance, a skill that is paramount to the success of a musical film adaptation.

The 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will be remembered for many things, but Cynthia Erivo's opening performance—a stunning blend of vocal mastery, high-fashion impact, and strategic career timing—will stand out as one of the most powerful and triumphant starts in the parade's nearly century-long history. It was a perfect moment of a star, fresh from a major movie success, declaring that she is, indeed, feeling good.