Disney Legend Snubbed at Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade by NBC Gaffe
Lea Salonga is recognized as one of the brightest stars in musical theater, gaining fame for her remarkable vocal talent and versatile performances. She garnered a Tony Award for her role as Kim in the original Broadway production of Miss Saigon in 1991. Additionally, her portrayal of Eponine in Les Misérables made her the first Asian actress to star in that iconic role on Broadway.
Beyond her Broadway achievements, Salonga is widely celebrated for her contributions to Disney. She provided the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and Mulan in its animated adaptation, further solidifying her status within the Disney legacy. Her extensive repertoire and achievements illustrate her impact on theater, making her a cherished figure in both Broadway and Disney circles.
During the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NBC encountered a substantial gaffe, misidentifying young Sesame Street star Olivia Perez as Lea Salonga. This incident occurred shortly after co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb introduced Salonga while she performed “Sing” alongside the Sesame Street cast on a themed float.
As the cameras shifted to the stars on the float, NBC mistakenly displayed a title card reading “Lea Salonga” over Perez, who was visible at that moment. The misidentification continued until the broadcast finally showed Salonga singing at the front of the float, at which point the title card correctly identified her. The confusion created a moment of bewilderment among viewers, who expressed disbelief that such a mistake could occur during such a high-profile event.
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Despite the overshadowing mistake, Salonga’s performance was a highlight of the parade. She showcased her powerful voice and engaging stage presence while collaborating with the Sesame Street cast on the float. The audience was treated to a festive display featuring various characters from the beloved children’s program, including Cookie Monster and Elmo.
NBC’s 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade gaffe was not an isolated incident. The network faced scrutiny in previous years for similar broadcast errors, including a glitch during Cher’s performance the prior year. Such incidents have raised questions about NBC’s production processes and the effectiveness of their graphics and camera teams during live broadcasts.
Although the parade incident was an unfortunate error, Salonga’s fans continue to celebrate her extraordinary talent with unwavering admiration. From captivating audiences on Broadway to bringing Disney princesses to life with her iconic voice, Salonga’s influence remains unmatched. The Thanksgiving Day Parade may have faltered in recognizing her brilliance, but for those familiar with her legacy, Lea Salonga’s star power shines brighter than ever.
What’s your take on NBC’s mix-up? Should the network address it with a formal apology? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know your favorite Lea Salonga performance!
