Billy Porter’s ‘Terrible’ Opening of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Faces Backlash from the Viewers

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.

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.”

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!?”