Top 5 Performances to Watch During the 2010 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 2010 Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade will begin it's 84^th annual march down 7^th and 6^th avenues to Macy's Herald Square at 9 a.m. ET on Thursday, November 25. Not only does the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade start the Thanksgiving holiday with fun and festivities it is the kick-off event for a season of holiday cheer.

The annual parade will be attended by more than three and a half million by-standers on the streets and seen by more than 50 million viewers on NBC, as reported by Macy's. The entire event is one grand celebration, but there are a few performances that you will not want to miss during the 2010 Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

Top 5 Performances to watch during the 2010 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Kanye West

Usually controversial, but always entertaining how could you miss Kanye West perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I'm a little curious as to how parade organizers could trust him at a family event since he has an unpredictable streak, but I'm sure he will be out to entertain and have fun, Kanye style.

According to the The Urban Daily, NBC said that featuring a variety of diverse artists, including the often controversial Kanye West, is an attempt to reach the very diverse crowd of millions watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade. The spokesperson assured The Urban Daily that Kanye's performance will be "family-friendly."

Let's hope so, but no matter how it turns out we'll be watching Kanye.

Top 5 Performances to watch during the 2010 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight still has the knack for a knock-out performance after all of these years. Macy's and NBC have to provide a little retro swing-back for longtime viewers and fans. No one fit's the bill better than the exquisite and exceptional performer Gladys Knight.

Gladys Knight will bring a portion of her Las Vegas show aboard a float to entertain the throngs along the streets and viewers at home. She's a classic lady, who is sure to give a modern, enthralling performance not to be missed on Thanksgiving morning.

Top 5 Performances to watch during the 2010 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Miranda Cosgrove

The young Miranda Cosgrove will undoubtedly appeal to young people watching the parade and enjoying star-studded performances. I anticipate Miranda Cosgrove will perform a song from her relatively new album "Sparks Fly" to warm the crowds on the crisp November morning.

This is Miranda's second appearance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She performed "About You Now" on the Build-a-Bear float in the 2008 parade.

Top 5 Performances to watch during the 2010 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Jimmy Fallon and The Roots

If you watch late night TV, undoubtedly you have seen Jimmy Fallon and The Roots perform everything from Rock, to hip-hop, ballads, and spoofs. The Roots have been with Jimmy Fallon since 2009. Fallon frequently pairs up with the group and guests on his show to sing. You might actually be surprised to find out what a good singer Jimmy Fallon really is.

The real talent behind the Macy's Thanksgiving Day performance, however, will be The Roots. The group is based out of Philadelphia, and Rolling Stone has dubbed The Roots "one of the greatest live acts in the world."

Perhaps we will hear the roots perform their top 40 hit "Do You Want More?" or another of their original jazz based anthems.

Top 5 Performances to watch during the 2010 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Mannheim Steamroller

Mannheim Steamroller is a talented group, but they are absolutely the best at performing Christmas music that infects listeners with the holiday spirit.

This will be Manheim Steamroller's first appearance on a float at The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, but I doubt it will be their last.

These are the top 5 performances of The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade that you will not want to miss, but be sure to tune in to NBC on Thanksgiving Day for a host of other performances from a variety of entertainers including Jessica Simpson, Gloriana, Big Time Rush, Victoria Justice and many, many more.

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