The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual event full of giant balloons, huge crowds and unforgettable performances – although not all of them are as live as they seem.

The beloved Thanksgiving tradition debuted in 1924 and has since featured hundreds of iconic performances from Broadway stars, solo artists and musical sensations, including Miley Cyrus in 2008 and Ariana Grande in 2013.

The performances have captivated audiences and home viewers for decades, especially since the singers often have to contend with the elements (including freezing temperatures, rain and even snow) while battling it out on moving floats. As a result, many performers lip-sync to pre-recorded songs during the annual parade, which surprised some fans in 2018 when a technical glitch made it clear that not all performances were live.

In response, Macy’s posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter) apologizing for the issues that affected performances.

“During today’s NBC broadcast of the #MacysParade, several performers experienced technical issues that negatively affected their performances. We apologize and want fans to know that these issues were beyond the performer’s control,” the post said.

Since then, some artists have continued to lip-sync, while others have confirmed their singing is live, adding to anticipation for the 2024 New York City parade, which will feature well-known vocalists like Idina Menzel and Cynthia Erivo.

So why are some singers lip-syncing during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Here’s what past artists have said about singing live on the big day.

What have performers said about lip syncing during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

In 2018, fans were surprised when Rita Ora was noticeably lip-syncing her song “Let You Love Me.” After the event, John Legend defended her on X and shared the “fun fact” about why lip syncing is common during the parade.

“We all have to lip sync during this parade because the floats don’t have the capacity to meet the sound requirements for a live performance. I hope you all enjoyed it anyway. Just know that if you come to my shows, the singing is 100 .% live!” the singer wrote.

After posting, Ora replied: “Fun fact @johnlegend, thanks for clarifying whatever I wanted to tweet. It’s annoying for us, but anyway! All my shows have always been 100 percent live! If you coming to an ORA show get ready!”

Many fans commented in support, noting the freezing temperatures that day, while others asked if the “All of Me” singer was just moving his mouth during the lip sync or was still singing.

Legend clarified: “I sang exactly as I would have sung if you could hear me. I guess that’s the only way to do it credibly. But I’m no expert in these matters.”

What have artists said about singing live?

After talk of all the artists lip-syncing started that year, Kelly Clarkson quickly confirmed that her performance – and Brynn Cartelli’s – was live.

“Um, I don’t know if y’all know this, but that was live! Brynn Cartelli, thank you – singing with me in this cold weather. It’s so cold in New York,” said the American Idol alum wrote on Instagram, per E! News. “I just wanted to let you all know that you probably all thought that sounded so good from Brynn Cartelli, but that was also live. So Brynn Cartelli is just rocking those runs this morning. I didn’t even give those runs this morning.” I thought: no! Anyway, happy Thanksgiving everyone!”

So can the artists choose whether to sing live or lip-sync?

While it appears that in the past certain artists have chosen to sing live and others have lip-synced, it is unclear whether they will be given a choice.

Macy’s has not responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment at this time.

Who will perform in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

A star-studded lineup of performers will be highlighted during the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Tony Award winner Menzel will perform in the Bronx Zoo’s “Wonx World of Wildlife” float, and was spotted rehearsing a number from her upcoming Broadway musical Redwood.

Additionally, T-Pain will make his Macy’s parade debut while aboard the Jennie-O turkey brand float.

“I have some surprises in store to make it a happy Turkey Day and celebrate the start of the holidays!” the rapper said in a statement, according to CBS News.

They will be joined by Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue and Billy Porter, who will sing in front of Macy’s iconic flagship store in Herald Square.

The lineup includes additional critically acclaimed talent such as Lea Salonga, Rachel Platten, Dan + Shay, Dasha, Ariana Madix, Cynthia Erivo and Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, among others.