Jimmy Fallon experienced an embarrassing moment during his live performance during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on Thursday.
The 50-year-old Tonight Show star appeared to have turned off his microphone at one point during a rendition of Hey Rudy alongside his longtime backing band, The Roots.
As the group delivered a spirited performance of the Christmas-themed song about Santa’s most famous reindeer, the comedian bounced around energetically as he sang the catchy chorus.
Once the song ended, however, it was clear that the comedian’s microphone was not on as he tried to say hello to viewers.
The former SNL star appeared to say “Happy Thanksgiving” to those watching from home as he enthusiastically waved and cheered at the camera.
Eagle-eyed viewers picked up the moment as someone on X, formerly Twitter, wrote: “Jimmy Fallon with the worst case of lip singing ever. He even talked when the song was over and his microphone wasn’t even working.’
Jimmy Fallon experienced an embarrassing moment during his live performance at Thursday’s Macy Thanksgiving Parade
The 50-year-old Tonight Show star appeared to have turned off his microphone at one point during a rendition of Hey Rudy alongside his longtime backing band, The Roots
In fact, many fans were sure the star was lip-syncing, as another wrote: “Always enjoy Jimmy Fallon but he’s not even trying to look like he’s singing this. Mic is barely near his face (laughing emoji).”
A third tweeted: “Obviously they have to lip sing in a parade but man Jimmy Fallon thinks he’s on Lip Sync Battle because it looks like he’s not really trying to convince us he’s singing haha.”
One user said, “Fallon and the Roots should at least try to make it look like they’re not lip-syncing, lol.”
Another viewer added: “Jimmy Fallon failed the lip sync challenge.”
Elsewhere, fans enjoyed the spirited performance, as one commented: “I’m watching Jimmy Fallon sing and he’s eating it up, let’s be king.”
The Taxi actor was joined by The Roots star Black Thought (real name Tariq Trotter) for the performance, with the pair opting to wear sunglasses despite the rain.
The style choice had viewers amused as the parade started at 8.30am, with Jimmy keeping his sunglasses firmly on despite the heavy rain.
One fan joked, “Jimmy Fallon wearing sunglasses in the rain is the major hangover energy America can relate to today.”
The former SNL star appeared to say “Happy Thanksgiving” to those watching from home as he enthusiastically waved at the camera and cheered, but the microphone was turned off
Eagle-eyed viewers picked up the awkward moment, while others shared their theories about whether he actually sang live
Another added: “Sunglasses in the rain is the most Jimmy Fallon Jimmy can Fallon.”
“Jimmy Fallon in sunglasses in a really good mood and clearly still drunk,” a third fan mused.
A source revealed exclusively to DailyMail.com that it was a conscious decision for the star and his band to rock their sunglasses.
“His band (including The Roots) is wearing sunglasses, they’ve all been rehearsing in them,” the insider noted.
“It’s raining and they’re rushing everywhere.”
A century after the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the annual holiday tradition kicked off again today in New York City with a star-studded lineup of performances from Jennifer Hudson and Idina Menzel, among others.
This year’s parade features 17 giant, helium-filled character balloons, 22 floats, 15 new and historic inflatables, 11 marching bands, 700 clowns, 10 performance groups, award-winning singers and actors, and the WNBA championship team, the New York Liberty.
One new float will showcase food brand Rao’s, featuring a knight and dragon in battle, made with real pasta elements.
The Taxi actor was joined for the performance by The Roots star, Black Thought (real name Tariq Trotter), with the pair opting to wear sunglasses despite the rain
A source revealed exclusively to DailyMail.com that it was a conscious decision for the star and his band to rock their sunglasses
Another will celebrate the Bronx Zoo’s 125th anniversary with images of a tiger, a giraffe, a zebra and a gorilla.
The parade begins at 8:30 a.m. on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and then ends 2.5 miles away around noon at the Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street, which serves as a stage and backdrop for performances.
Despite the downpour, the parade went ahead, having been canceled only three times since 1924.
As millions of Americans watched the parade from the warmth of their homes, some noted the lack of crowds and how the rain dampened the performances.
“I’m going to start cooking because the Macy’s Day parade is sad,” said someone on X.
“The phrase don’t rain on my parade was coined specifically for the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade,” said another.
“What kind of mental illness do you have to be to stand in the rain all morning just watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” a third person said.
“Macy’s Day Parade is a totally gray, sad affair. Sound of silence, a parade,” said a fourth.
As dark threatening clouds loomed over the show, some suggested changing the entire production of the parade.
The Tonight Show star left viewers in stitches earlier this morning when he wore black sunglasses despite standing under an umbrella in the pouring rain
The iconic Tom Turkey float rides during the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City
“The Thanksgiving Parade Must CHANGE! @Macys… put cameras over the balloons, reduce the number of Broadway shows – no one wants to see them, stop lip syncing, so many changes are needed,” one person said.
Earlier this week, it was reported that NBC might have to fork out triple their usual fee to retain the broadcast rights to the annual parade.
The Comcast-owned network — which has held the holiday TV broadcast rights since 1953 — is currently trying to strike a new deal to keep the festive event going for the next decade, according to The Wall Street Journal.
After normally paying $20 million for the privilege, sources told the WSJ the amount could rise to $60 million.
The parade will air on NBC with hosts Savannah, Hoda and Al Roker, and will also be streamed on the network’s Peacock service.
Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza present a Spanish simulcast on Telemundo.