Country powerhouse Lainey Wilson helped ring in the holiday season with a spirited pair of performances during the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, turning one of America’s biggest traditions into a personal career milestone.
Fresh off a dominant year — including major CMA wins and her acclaimed Whirlwind album — Wilson stepped into Macy’s iconic holiday spotlight for the very first time. For an artist who grew up watching the parade from afar, appearing in front of the legendary 34th Street flagship wasn’t just another booking; it was a bucket-list moment decades in the making.
Instead of riding atop a float — the usual setup for parade performers — Wilson stood at street level and commanded the space like a seasoned headliner. She opened with “Somewhere Over Laredo,” her voice cutting through the crisp November air with a blend of southern grit and cinematic warmth. Then came a festive shift into “Peace, Love & Cowboys,” the holiday-themed version of her hit, complete with a spirited band and ballroom dancers that amplified the seasonal energy.
Visually, Wilson embraced a bold holiday aesthetic: a red, fur-trimmed coat layered over fringe and gold accents, topped with her now-signature black cowboy hat. It was equal parts country glamour and Christmas sparkle — unmistakably her, unmistakably festive.
True to her word, Wilson delivered the performance live, not relying on pre-recorded vocals — a choice that added authenticity and drew praise from fans who value her no-nonsense, what-you-see-is-what-you-get approach.
As the parade’s closing energy built, Wilson’s finale became the musical handoff to the parade’s grand tradition: the arrival of Santa Claus. Her performance didn’t just mark the end of the broadcast — it lit the fuse on the nation’s holiday countdown.
For Wilson, it was a celebration of artistic momentum. For spectators, it was a reminder that country music — delivered by one of its most exciting stars — can still steal the season’s spotlight.
