NBC mistakenly identifies child star as Broadway legend during parade
- NBC aired the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28, 2024, with various star performances.
- A significant mix-up occurred when a young Sesame Street actor was misidentified as Broadway star Lea Salonga.
- Viewers reacted on social media, questioning the misidentification and highlighting the importance of accurately recognizing performers.
On November 28, 2024, NBC aired its annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade amid rainy weather, showcasing various performances, including those by Kylie Minogue and Jennifer Hudson. During the broadcast, a mix-up occurred when the network mistakenly introduced Olivia Perez, a young cast member of Sesame Street, as Broadway legend Lea Salonga. This error was particularly noticeable when Salonga was performing on the float alongside the cast. As the cameras switched focus to Perez, a title card identifying Salonga appeared, leading to confusion among viewers. Many took to social media to comment on the blunder, poking fun at the mix-up and expressing disbelief over the incorrect identification. Salonga, who is 53 years old, is an award-winning Filipino performer known for her major roles in productions such as Miss Saigon and Les Misérables. The incident has drawn attention to Salonga’s remarkable career, highlighting her contributions to the theater world as a pioneer for Asian actors. Following the live misidentification, NBC has been contacted for comments on the incident.