Cynthia Erivo Opens Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade With Stirring Rendition of “Feeling Good”

Published November 27, 2025

Cynthia Erivo performing in Herald Square, New York City
Cynthia Erivo in Herald Square on November 27, 2025, New York City. The Hapa Blonde/GC Images

Cynthia Erivo launched the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with a luminous performance of “Feeling Good.” Positioned on a compact circular stage and accompanied by a pianist, the 38-year-old star delivered a soulful interpretation that set the tone for the morning’s celebrations.

Erivo — best known recently for her role in Wicked: For Good — brought warmth and resonance to the classic tune, popularized by Nina Simone in 1965. Dressed in a long burgundy coat and coordinated hat, she performed amid fall foliage and enthusiastic crowds lining the parade route.

“Feeling Good” was written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for the 1964 musical The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd and was first sung onstage by Cy Grant.

Erivo stars as Elphaba in Wicked: For Good, the second installment of the Wicked duology directed by Jon M. Chu. The film, which opened in theaters on November 21, 2025, also features Ariana Grande as Glinda.

Other performers at this year’s parade included Kpop Demon Hunters singers HUNTR/X, Lainey Wilson, Ciara, Foreigner, Debbie Gibson, Jewel, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Taylor Momsen, Busta Rhymes, Shaggy and Teyana Taylor.

The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade officially kicked off the 2025 holiday season and was broadcast live across U.S. time zones on NBC and Peacock on November 27 at 8:30 a.m. ET. TODAY anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker served as hosts for the telecast.

Watch Erivo’s performance of “Feeling Good” on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_mZWfamIgFo


Billboard VIP Pass

 

Source