Gathering around the TV to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a holiday tradition for countless families across the country. Some might even call the annual parade iconic. So, it is only fitting that iconic artists like Jennifer Hudson appear on the parade to perform. The EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner made her Thanksgiving Day Parade debut today after growing up watching the event with her family every year.
If ever someone needed an example of a powerhouse performance, they need to look no further than Hudson’s output today at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Even with all of the floats, balloons, marching bands, and other legendary artists, her debut performance on the show will go down as a highlight.
Videos by American Songwriter
Earlier this week, Hudson appeared on The Today Show to talk about her current tour, her Christmas album, and her Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debut. “I am so excited about it,” she said about her debut performance. “I mean, I grew up watching it on television. So, to be here and to be able to be a part of it is a dream,” she added.
Jennifer Hudson on Recording The Gift of Love This Summer
Jennifer Hudson released her first-ever holiday album, The Gift of Love, earlier this year. In the interview, she revealed that she recorded it over the summer. One of the co-hosts asked how she got into the holiday spirit with the high temperatures in her hometown of Chicago.
“I was on the beach, riding my bike, and listening to listening to Christmas music,” she revealed. “Y’all, it is the most relaxing thing. I recommend it for everyone. Try it. You still get that same feeling no matter the weather, no matter the season,” Hudson explained.
Hudson also talked about working with her boyfriend, Common, on her Christmas album. “It makes it that much more enjoyable, for one,” she said about working with her partner on a project. “Then, I get to learn from him. He’s a hip-hop legend,” she added.
The Gift of Love is available to stream everywhere now. The album contains holiday classics as well as original songs.
Featured Image by Sara Jaye/Getty Images for Old Navy
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
Musician Bruce Springsteen performs during the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in the Jackson Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, US, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Intended as a celebration of the progress embodied by the nation's first Black leader, its Juneteenth unveiling comes at a time when his agenda – and broader diversity initiatives – are wilting from a decade of concerted attack. Photographer: Talia Sprague/Bloomberg via Getty Images -
Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns -
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 11: Mike McCready of Pearl Jam performs onstage with Thunderpussy at The Showbox on December 11, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images) -
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 02: Luke Bryan answers holds a Super Bowl LI football during the Super Bowl LI Pregame press conference on February 02, 2017, at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) -
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 15: Abe Olman Publishing Award winner, Caroline Bienstock poses backstage at the Songwriters Hall Of Fame 48th Annual Induction and Awards at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 15, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame) -
Carrie Underwood at the "Alan Jackson: The Last Show" concert special red carpet held at Nissan Stadium on June 27, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jamie Schramm/Variety via Getty Images) -
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 25: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (NOT TO BE LICENSED FOR ANY STANDALONE OR SPECIAL INTEREST BOOK PUBLISHING USE CONCERNING THE COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL AND/OR STAGECOACH MUSIC FESTIVAL) Singer Gavin Adcock performs on the Palomino Stage during day 2 of Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 25, 2026 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach) -
Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images