The Emmy Award-winning artist’s recent performance, featuring vibrant theatrics and a bold fashion statement, quickly became one of the most polarizing moments of the occasion.
Billy Porter opened the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with an energetic performance of “Ease on Down the Road” from the iconic Broadway musical, The Wiz. Braving the rain, he delivered the number with roller-skating dancers and golden confetti, while his muted green ensemble and metallic white boots drew attention both on-site and online.
A fan comment on Billy Porter, dated November 28, 2024 | Source: X/imstephwalsh
Despite his flair and bold presence, the opening act sparked a wave of criticism across social media platforms. Many viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their disappointment with the performance, particularly highlighting Porter’s lip-syncing.
One viewer expressed frustration with the choice of performer, tweeting, “having billy porter do ease on down the road for the macy’s thanksgiving parade when had they given the wiz revival bway cast respect, they could’ve opened the parade???? i’m sick!!!! [sic]” Another user commented, “Not Billy Porter starting the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”
Billy Porter on Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28, 2024, in New York | Source: Getty Images
For some, the event set a tone of dissatisfaction for the rest of the parade. One parent noted, “My kids agree that the parade was worse than last year! Which is hard to believe. The only part they liked was Walker Hayes and T pain. I am not sure they are going to watch next year. And Billy Porter, seriously? What was worse the outfit, the dancing or the horrible lipsyncing [sic]?”
Criticism continued to pour in, with one comment reading, “If you’re gonna be opening the @Macys parade, atleast try and lip sync. That was terrible Billy Porter [sic].” Another user echoed similar sentiments, saying, “they starting this parade with billy porter… i already wanna turn it off. & he’s butchering ease on down the road [sic].”
Others poked fun at the 55-year-old entertainer’s performance and wardrobe. “Billy Porter easing on down the road in those heels… did he walk the whole parade route?!” one person quipped, while another simply questioned, “Billy Porter WHAT is this hat!?”
A fan comment on Billy Porter, dated November 28, 2024 | Source: X/iahawkeyelover
Lip-syncing issues were a recurring complaint, with one comment declaring, “Not Billy Porter having one of the worst [lip-syncing] moments I’ve EVER seen.” Another wrote, “Billy Porter’s lip sync job was atrocious. Hot start, NBC.”
Some viewers were less critical but still unimpressed. “Silly me, I changed channels the second I saw Billy Porter.”
Billy Porter, as seen in a video dated November 23, 2024 | Source: Instagram/theebillyporter
Amidst the backlash, there were moments of support for Porter’s performance. A fan appreciated the energy he brought to the event, adding, “Alright, Billy Porter starting off the parade with a performance from The Wiz is the kind of energy I need every Thursday morning. Happy Thanksgiving!” Another viewer deemed the performance iconic, stating, “Billy Porter opening for the Macy’s thanksgiving parade is actually ICONIC [sic].”
Billy Porter in his teal ensemble, as seen in a video dated November 29, 2024 | Source: Instagram/thebillyporter
For others, the parade remained a Thanksgiving tradition. “we are watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade that we had on DVR (got up late). Love this and Billy Porter’s opening number was fabulous. It’s not Thanksgiving without this parade [sic],” one user shared.
Before his rain-soaked opening performance of The Wiz classic “Ease on Down the Road,” Porter took fans behind the scenes, offering a glimpse into his preparation process.
Billy Porter on November 18, 2024, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
On November 23, 2024, he shared his excitement on social media. “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: JOY DUMP!!! Set your recorders for 9 a.m. SHARP! Daddy is opening the show! (Recorders…? Do we even call them that anymore?).” He also teased the event’s star-studded lineup, including Cynthia Erivo, Cole Escola, and Jennifer Hudson.
Porter kept his fans engaged with updates, revealing his playful side in a post captioned “HIGHLINE CHRONICLES: 3.0 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, BTS!” Clips showed him rehearsing in the rain and playfully introducing his makeup and wardrobe crew, joking about tired eyes rejuvenated with under-eye masks.
Billy Porter, as seen in a photo dated November 29, 2024 | Source: Instagram/theebillyporter
Another video saw him cat-walking in his teal ensemble, which later took center stage during his performance. Reflecting on the long day, he noted, “Yeah, it was good, it was fun. And now Daddy’s going back to bed till dinner time. Happy Thanksgiving!”
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a staple of the holiday season, delivered its usual spectacle, complete with 17 giant character balloons, 22 floats, 15 novelty and heritage balloons, 11 marching bands, and over 700 clowns.
Thousands of volunteers and performers came together to create a magical atmosphere for viewers across the nation. Following the event, Macy’s unveiled its special Thanksgiving Parade merchandise collection, offering holiday-themed items such as mugs, bags, and stuffed toys for fans to commemorate the celebration.
Cheerleaders perform in the rain during the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on November 28, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Porter’s parade performance came nearly a year after the release of his album Black Mona Lisa, which debuted in November 2023. The album marked a significant chapter in his career, encapsulating his journey of self-expression and resilience.
Collaborating with acclaimed artists such as Andrea Martin, MNEK, and Grammy-nominated Justin Tranter, Porter described the project as a deeply personal and redemptive experience.
Billy Porter on September 26, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia | Source: Getty Images
Porter reflected on the significance of the album in an exclusive interview. “Everybody told me my queerness would be my liability, and it was for decades. Now it’s not! I win.”
Tracks like “Broke A Sweat,” featuring the empowering lyric, “My queerness would be my liability and it was… now it’s not!” conveyed a bold message of triumph. Other notable songs included “Baby Was A Dancer,” “Stranger Things,” and the titular track, “Black Mona Lisa.”
Billy Porter on June 16, 2024, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The final song on the album, “Audacity,” carried an uplifting theme. “It’s about how we inspire ourselves; how we love ourselves enough to know that we are enough just as we are — period,” Porter, whose first album came out in 1997, explained in the interview.
Billy Porter on October 17, 2022, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
With the album, he aimed to reclaim the narrative of his life and identity, stating, “It’s not about acceptance or tolerance to me. I don’t like either one of those words. It’s about the demand of the respect for our collective humanity. We are all human beings first [sic].”
Billy Porter on November 18, 2024, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Despite the backlash, Porter’s performance at the parade served as another platform to showcase his vibrant personality and commitment to living authentically. Whether loved or criticized, his unwavering spirit and artistry ensure he remains a key figure in entertainment conversations.
