Debbie Gibson makes a return to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year to perform aboard the Nickelodeon Shimmer & Shine float.
If you heard me tell the story, Debbie and I go WAY back. We're both the same age; so, when her first song came out in 1987, I was still in high school working as a baby deejay and music director for a radio station in Gulfport, MS. We were one of the first stations in the country to play "Only In My Dreams." We stayed in touch through much of the 90's and talked off-and-on as her Broadway career took off. But, it's been about 18 years since the last time we spoke (scroll down to see the picture below). So, it was great to catch up when she called today to promote her Nickelodeon show and performance on Thanksgiving -- click here to listen with our free iHeartRadio app.
Debbie Gibson burst onto the music scene at 16 and instantly became the youngest artist in history to write, produce and perform a number one hit, "Foolish Beat." She is still the youngest female to date and holds the title in The Guinness Book of World Records. Gibson has sold more than 16 million albums, has starred in 17 musicals in 17 years includingLes Miserables, Grease, Beauty and the BeastandCabaretto name a few, starred in and executive produced Hallmark Channel's "Summer of Dreams" and "Wedding of Dreams, as well as appeared on Season 25 of "Dancing with The Stars". She celebrates the 30-year anniversary of her pop career, including her #1 albumElectric Youthand #1 single "Lost In Your Eyes," with her commemorative, retrospective box set "We Could Be Together". Ms. Gibson also has a passion for mentoring young talent through her Electric Youth camps and workshops.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is all about family and tradition. The Macy's Parade annually bringing millions together in celebration and is now widely considered to be the opening act of the holiday season nationwide. This year the line-up features 17 giant character balloons; 26 floats; 1,100 cheerleaders and dancers; more than 1,000 clowns; 11 marching bands and 6 performance groups; and a host of celebrity performers. More than 8,000 participants in all. The Macy's Parade airs on NBC, nationwide from 9am-12pm, in all time zones.