If you’ve ever wondered why singers such as Ciara lip-sync during the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, read on to learn more.
All artists lip-sync during the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for good reasons.
Pop star Ciara Wilson performed her hit song “Low” on the Kalahari Resorts float at Macy’s Herald Square on Thursday.
Ciara SLAYS Low at @Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade pic.twitter.com/kPV4405qDA
— All Ciara Media (@AllCiaraMedia) November 27, 2025
Other stars who lip-synced at this year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade at Macy’s Herald Square in NYC include Teyana Taylor, Busta Rhymes, Cynthia Erivo, Shaggy, Lil Jon, Jewel, Luisa Sonza and more.
According to Entertainment Weekly, social media users lashed out at singer Rita Ora after her lip-sync performance during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in 2018.
Following the backlash toward Rita, singer John Legend took to social media and explained the reason why many artists don’t perform live while riding parade floats.
“Fun fact. 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,” he wrote on Twitter in defense of Rita.
Rita thanked John for defending her on Twitter. “@johnlegend thank you for clarifying what I was about to also tweet,” she wrote.
Singer/TV host Kelly Clarkson also took to Twitter to explain why stars don’t perform live on the floats.
She said cold weather is a major concern for artists, as it can damage their vocal cords. She called the event “a very cold Thanksgiving moment” for her.
Rap producer Lil Jon performed while riding the colorful Toys “R” Us float during the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo credit: GlobeTrotPix / BACKGRID
Pop star Debbie Gibson rides on float during the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, NY on November 27, 2025. Photo credit: ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
Luisa Sonza rides on float during the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, NY on November 27, 2025. Photo credit: ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
