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During NBC’s live broadcast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28, 2024, a “Lea Salonga” title card appeared over footage of Sesame Street performer Olivia Perez. Salonga was also performing on the same float and was later shown with the correct identification.
What happened during NBC’s parade broadcast?
The Independent reported that parade co-anchors Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie introduced the Sesame Street float and Salonga’s performance. When the broadcast showed Perez singing and dancing on the side of the float, the on-screen graphic identified her as Salonga. The report later showed Salonga at the front of the float with the correct title card. The Independent’s contemporaneous account describes a title-card mismatch; it does not explain how it happened or establish who was responsible.
Who were the performers?
Olivia Perez
Perez was the Sesame Street child actor shown singing and dancing when the Salonga graphic appeared, according to The Independent.
Lea Salonga
Salonga, the Broadway veteran, was performing with the cast on the same float. The Associated Press also listed her among the performers at the 2024 parade. The AP’s parade report provides event context, not an explanation for NBC’s graphic error.
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Did NBC explain or respond to the mistake?
The Independent said it contacted NBC for comment, but its November 28, 2024 article did not include a response. That account does not establish whether NBC later commented publicly, apologized, or issued a correction beyond showing Salonga with the correct title card later in the broadcast.
What is known—and what is not
- Established: The “Lea Salonga” graphic appeared while the broadcast showed Perez on the Sesame Street float.
- Established: Salonga was also on the float and was later shown with the correct identification.
- Not established by the cited accounts: Why the wrong title card appeared, which part of the production process caused it, or who was responsible.
- Not established by the cited accounts: Any later official NBC response or apology.
The parade context does not explain the error. The AP reported that the 2024 route ran 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from Manhattan’s Upper West Side to Macy’s Herald Square, and listed 17 giant helium-filled character balloons, 22 floats, 15 novelty and heritage inflatables, 11 marching bands, 700 clowns, and 10 performance groups. Those figures describe the event as a whole, not the broadcast incident.
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Best Value
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- This product has polybag packaging that may reveal what's inside and cannot be hidden.
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- Includes: Cookie Monster plush toy.
- Take-Along Sesame Street Friend: The Sesame Street Friends Plush assortment features favorite characters as small, 8-inch plush toys that are perfect for kids to take anywhere.
- Cuddly Plush Pal: The Sesame Street Friends Plush Cookie Monster stuffed toy is made entirely of soft, huggable fabrics and 100% recycled fill. Awesome for anytime snuggles!
- Inspires Imaginative Play: Preschoolers will love making up stories and Sesame Street adventures with this lovable Cookie Monster plushie. Fuzzy Cookie Monster has a big, happy smile and is ready to be every kid’s best friend.
- Collect Them All: Collect all the Sesame Street Friends Plush toys and have a Sesame Street neighborhood block party! Look for Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Ernie, Bert, Oscar, and Abby Cadabby, each sold separately.
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