Jonathan Groff stunned audiences at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade by giving “Beyond the Sea” a queer twist and dancing with Bowen Yang during his Just in Time performance. Here’s a full breakdown of the powerful, inclusive moment.
Jonathan Groff Brings a Queer Twist to “Beyond the Sea” During Stunning 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Performance
Jonathan Groff delivered one of the most memorable moments of the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade when he put a heartfelt queer spin on Bobby Darin’s timeless classic “Beyond the Sea.” Performing live during NBC’s coverage of the beloved holiday event, the Tony-nominated actor surprised viewers by subtly shifting the song’s pronouns and inviting Saturday Night Live star Bowen Yang to join him for a romantic, joyful dance on the parade stage.
The performance unfolded during a special segment featuring the cast of Just in Time, the new Broadway jukebox musical in which Groff stars as Darin. Dressed in sleek throwback attire and singing with his trademark vocal warmth, Groff began the number with the song’s familiar opening lines: “Somewhere beyond the sea, somewhere waiting for me…” As the camera panned across the vibrant set and dancers surrounding him, Groff walked toward Yang, who was seated on nearby risers, and paused the performance for a moment of celebration.
“Let’s hear it for Bowen Yang!” Groff said with enthusiasm as the audience cheered. Yang, smiling and clearly touched, stood to join him. That’s when Groff shifted the lyrics, changing Darin’s original “she” to “he,” singing: “Somewhere beyond the sea, he’s there watching for me.” The small but meaningful pronoun change instantly transformed the classic love ballad into an inclusive tribute.
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Groff then kissed Yang’s hand—a tender gesture that sparked applause—before twirling the comedian in a playful spin. “If I could fly like birds on high and straight to his arms, I’d go sailing,” Groff continued, making the beloved tune fully his own. After the lyrical switch, Yang returned to his seat while Groff finished the number in a soaring finale that captured the charm and nostalgia of Bobby Darin’s original performance style.
The energetic parade moment also featured appearances by Modern Family star Sarah Hyland and Sadie Dickerson, who joined the musical ensemble in showcasing numbers from Just in Time. The Broadway production has earned enthusiastic buzz since opening and recently received a Grammy nomination for its cast recording—an accolade that the parade commentators highlighted during the broadcast.
Groff is no stranger to performing “Beyond the Sea.” Earlier this year, he sang the song on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, but at that time he used the original “she/her” lyrics. The decision to personalize the lyrics for the parade, especially in front of a nationwide audience, made the Thanksgiving morning performance feel particularly meaningful for both fans and LGBTQ+ viewers.
Following the performance, Groff was interviewed by Today show anchors Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, who have recently reunited on-air. The actor radiated gratitude and excitement as he spoke about the moment, telling them, “It’s incredible. We all dreamed of being on the parade. We all watched the parade growing up. So to be part of the show and to be here this morning is incredible.”
Groff’s enthusiasm reflects the spirit of Just in Time, a musical that celebrates the life and music of Bobby Darin while also honoring his cultural impact. In the show, Groff plays a present-day version of Darin who travels back through time to relive key moments from the 1950s and 1960s. The production features a rich catalog of Darin’s hits, including “Mack the Knife,” the chart-topping No. 1 single that defined his career and remains a staple of American music.
Darin’s life was filled with both immense success and profound challenges. Born Walden Robert Cassotto, he overcame serious childhood illness and went on to become one of the most versatile performers of his era—singing pop, jazz, swing, folk, and even country music. Tragically, his life was cut short when he died at age 37 in 1973 after complications from heart surgery. Still, his legacy continues to inspire musicians and performers across generations, including Groff, who delivers the role with warmth and reverence.
The queer reinterpretation of “Beyond the Sea” resonated deeply with parade viewers, who praised Groff online for bringing authenticity and representation to a cherished classic. His vocal performance—gentle, emotional, and confident—combined with Yang’s joyful cameo underscored the inclusive spirit of modern Broadway and the evolving nature of iconic American music.
For Bowen Yang, the moment was equally special. Known for his quick wit and comedic brilliance on Saturday Night Live, Yang embraced the touching cameo with both humor and heartfelt charm. His presence reflected the expanding diversity on America’s biggest entertainment stages, from late-night TV to Broadway to the Thanksgiving parade itself.
As the floats, balloons, and performers continued down the streets of Manhattan, Groff’s performance stood out as one of the morning’s highlights—an example of how classic songs can be reimagined with new meaning while still honoring the original artist. It also showcased Groff’s incredible versatility, blending musical theater precision with emotional storytelling.
As millions of viewers gathered around their TVs on Thanksgiving morning, Jonathan Groff didn’t just perform a beloved standard—he transformed it. Through a simple pronoun change and a beautiful moment shared with Bowen Yang, he turned “Beyond the Sea” into a celebration of love in all its forms. And in doing so, he added a poignant, modern heartbeat to one of America’s most treasured holiday traditions.
