Cher to Grace Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade This Year

27

Certainly, here’s a paraphrased and expanded version of the text:

Cher, an iconic superstar with a glittering array of accolades including Oscars, Emmys, and Grammy Awards, is set to make a special appearance at the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The renowned singer will take the stage just before the grand finale of the parade, marked by the arrival of Santa Claus and his sleigh, as confirmed by parade organizers.

This year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade promises to be a spectacular event, featuring an impressive lineup of 16 giant character balloons, 26 elaborately designed floats, 32 novelty and heritage inflatables, 12 marching bands, 700 cheerful clowns, and eight talented performance groups.

Cher, in addition to her upcoming appearance at the parade, has been keeping busy. She’s gearing up to release a 25th-anniversary edition of her Grammy-winning album, “Believe,” and has recently unveiled her first album in five years, “Christmas.”

In a historic departure from tradition, this year’s holiday extravaganza will commence at 8:30 a.m. ET, half an hour earlier than in previous years. The festivities will be kicked off by the multi-talented musician and Grammy winner, Jon Batiste.

The parade will also feature appearances by an array of talented artists including Bell Biv DeVoe, Brandy, Chicago, En Vogue, ENHYPEN, David Foster and Katharine McPhee, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, Jessie James Decker, Ashley Park, and some beloved Muppets from “Sesame Street.” Joining this star-studded lineup are Pentatonix, Paul Russell, Amanda Shaw, Alex Smith, and Manuel Turizo.

Notably, the event will celebrate the achievements of U.S. Olympic gymnastics silver medalist Jordan Chiles, U.S. track and field Paralympian Ezra Frech, U.S. Paralympic swimming gold medalist Jessica Long, and Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke, who will all be part of the festivities.

Adding to the excitement, seven new giant balloons will make their debut, including favorites like “Beagle Scout Snoopy,” “Blue Cat & Chugs,” “Kung Fu Panda’s Po,” “Leo,” “Monkey D. Luffy,” “Pillsbury Doughboy,” and “Uncle Dan.”

Broadway enthusiasts will be treated to captivating performances from productions like “& Juliet,” “Back to the Future: The Musical,” “How To Dance In Ohio,” “Shucked,” and “Spamalot.” Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells from “Gutenberg! The Musical!” will also make a special appearance.

Returning favorites among the giant balloons include “Bluey,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” “Paw Patrol,” “Ryan’s World,” “Pikachu,” “Ronald McDonald,” “Stuart the Minion,” and “SpongeBob SquarePants.”

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has long been a cherished tradition, marking the official start of the holiday season. Spectators eagerly line the parade route, sometimes six deep, to witness the marchers, dazzling floats, talented entertainers, and spirited marching bands. In recent years, the parade has reserved a special spot for iconic guests just before the grand arrival of Santa Claus, with Mariah Carey taking up the role last year.

This year, a marching band from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, a school that tragically experienced one of the nation’s worst school shootings, will represent Florida. Other marching bands hailing from states including Alabama, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Washington, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, and Texas will also be part of the parade.

Among the floats to look out for are those from beloved brands like Lego, “Peanuts,” “Baby Shark,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” and “Sesame Street.”

You can catch the parade on NBC and stream it on Peacock. Hosting duties will be handled by the “Today” show’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker. Additionally, there will be a Spanish language simulcast on Telemundo, hosted by Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza.

This year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, entertainment, and holiday spirit that will bring joy to viewers across the nation.

---

Mark Kennedy is on Twitter at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Thanksgiving Parade Cher

More about Thanksgiving Parade Cher

• Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Official Website
• Cher’s Official Website
• NBC’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Page
• Telemundo’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Page
• Today Show Official Website
• Macy’s Parade Balloon Lineup