The gayest Macy’s Parade 2025 moments: Cynthia Erivo belting and a sweet gay kiss
Cynthia Erivo opened up the parade (NBC)
Cynthia Erivo opened up the parade (NBC)
The 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of the largest in the world, included a number of queer icons.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took over New York on Thursday (27 November) with giant floats, 11 marching bands and endless stars welcoming in the holiday season. Amongst the glitz and sequins, there were a number of gay stars and moments to celebrate.
The parade unfolded a bit like a fever dream, with stars from Wicked singing and dancing through the 2.5-mile Manhattan parade route. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade really said make the Yuletide gay! Here are our favourite queer moments:
Cynthia Erivo belted “Feeling Good”
Wicked star Cynthia Erivo shone like the star she is, opening the parade with a powerhouse performance of “Feeling Good”.
Erivo’s performance comes just 10 days after she lost her voice on the Wicked: For Good press tour. She appeared in an all-maroon look, perfectly matching the wintery season.
The queer singer also cut the ribbon to begin the parade with The Rockettes clapping behind her.
Conan Gray’s Standout Performance
Singer Conan Gray captivated the crowd with his exhilarating performance of “Vodka Cranberry” off his fourth studio album, Wishbone. It’s another milestone in the 26-year-old’s blossoming career.
His high-energy performance garnered one of the largest cheers from the crowd lining the streets. The singer wore an all-white Nutcracker-themed look. His sleeveless, button-up vest was completed with feather details on the shoulders.
Joined by a brass band, Gray nailed the high notes, an impressive reminder that he’s one of the most exciting pop performers working today.
Jonathan Groff and Bowen Yang’s Gay Kiss
Glee’s Jonathan Groff and Saturday Night Live’s Bowen Yang shared a very cute festive moment during the Thanksgiving Parade.
The pair performed a dance number at the beginning of Groff’s slot alongside the cast of Broadway’s Just in Time. Groff leads the Broadway musical about the life of singer Bobby Darin.
Groff and Yang’s dance ended with Groff kissing Yang on the hand.
Following his performance, Groff made a hilarious blunder while discussing his planned outfit.
The Tony-winning actor shared: “I am gonna just brave the cold in the costume. I’ve decided to not wear any undergarments.”
“Any extra undergarments,” he quickly clarified.
Guest host Andy Cohen was quick to make a joke about what could happen if Groff opted to “free ball” during the parade. “You need long underwear,” he joked.
