Lea Salonga, a name that may not be immediately familiar to everyone, holds a cherished place in Disney history. As the singing voice of both Princess Jasmine in Aladdin (1992) and Mulan in Mulan (1998), Salonga’s iconic performances have enchanted fans for decades. With her powerhouse vocals and celebrated Broadway career, one would think her presence would be unmistakable—yet during the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NBC made an embarrassing misstep that left fans shaking their heads.
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A Disney Legend’s Unmatched Legacy
At just 18 years old, Lea Salonga made Broadway history by winning a Tony Award for her portrayal of Kim in Miss Saigon. Her career continued to soar as she took on leading roles in Les Misérables, Flower Drum Song, and the groundbreaking production of Allegiance. Beyond the stage, Salonga has a gold-certified album and an enduring legacy as a performer who has broken barriers and inspired countless fans worldwide.
Disney fans, however, know her best for her unforgettable contributions to two of Disney’s most beloved animated films. As the voice behind “A Whole New World” and “Reflection,” Salonga’s talent has been a staple of Disney magic for generations. Her role in the Thanksgiving Day Parade should have been a celebration of that legacy—but what unfolded instead was an unfortunate case of mistaken identity.
NBC’s Thanksgiving Blunder
As the Sesame Street float made its way down Manhattan’s streets during the iconic parade, Salonga took center stage, singing the classic song “Sing” alongside beloved characters like Cookie Monster. Parade hosts Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie excitedly introduced the float, highlighting Salonga’s legendary career. However, when NBC’s cameras panned to the performers, the spotlight mistakenly landed on 14-year-old actress Olivia Perez.
Perez, who has gained recognition for her roles in In the Heights (2021) and Netflix’s Falling for Christmas (2022), also performed on the float, dazzling with her youthful charm. Unfortunately, NBC’s graphics and camera teams failed to recognize the difference between Perez and the 53-year-old Disney legend standing just feet away. Fans quickly noticed the error, taking to social media to call out the network for their glaring mistake.
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Fans Demand Accountability
For fans of Salonga, the incident felt like a disservice to her remarkable career and contributions to Disney and Broadway. Many expressed frustration that such an oversight could happen, especially during one of the most-watched televised events of the year. While NBC eventually corrected the mistake during the broadcast, the network has yet to issue a public apology or comment on the incident.
Social media buzzed with outrage, with fans pointing out the absurdity of confusing a seasoned Tony Award-winning performer with a young actress still making her mark in Hollywood. The mistake also reignited conversations about the lack of recognition that Asian performers often face in mainstream media, even when they’ve achieved legendary status.
Moving Forward
While the parade incident was an unfortunate misstep, Salonga’s fans remain steadfast in their admiration for her extraordinary talent. Whether she’s dazzling audiences on Broadway or lending her voice to Disney princesses, Salonga’s impact is undeniable. The Thanksgiving Day Parade may have momentarily missed the mark, but for those who know her legacy, Lea Salonga will always be a shining star.
What do you think of NBC’s mistake? Should they issue a formal apology? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share your favorite Lea Salonga performance!
