The 2026 Rose Parade will begin with a strong musical moment as singer Bishop Briggs opens the iconic New Year’s Day celebration in Pasadena. She will perform live from the Honda float during the parade’s Opening Spectacular. The performance will feature 24 professional dancers and set the tone for the event’s theme, “The Magic in Teamwork.”
The Honda float will lead with “The Power in Teams,” highlighting how shared effort can turn ideas into reality. The opening act aims to energise viewers and spectators from the very first moment of the parade.
Who Is Bishop Briggs?
Bishop Briggs is a British singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and emotional music. She is 33 years old and was born in London. Her real name is Sarah Grace McLaughlin.
She chose the stage name Bishop Briggs to avoid confusion with another famous singer and to honour her family roots. The name comes from Bishopbriggs, a town in Scotland where her parents were raised.
Over the years, she has built a global fan base with her bold sound and raw lyrics.
Why Is Bishop Briggs Famous?
Bishop Briggs first gained wide attention after moving to Los Angeles. Her 2015 song “Wild Horses” appeared in a major car commercial during the Super Bowl. That exposure introduced her to millions of listeners.
Her career took off with the release of “River” in 2016. The song became a major hit on alternative music charts and climbed to number three on Billboard’s US Alternative Chart. The success earned her a spot opening for Coldplay on their “A Head Full of Dreams” world tour.
She will perform “River” during the Rose Parade opening, along with her song “Champion,” released in 2019.
Bishop Briggs’ Music Career Today
Bishop Briggs remains a popular artist in the alternative and pop-rock space. She currently has more than 4 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Her music often focuses on strength, resilience, and emotional honesty.
In October 2025, she released a themed EP titled “When It’s Halloween.” The project showed her creative range and kept her connected with fans ahead of the Rose Parade announcement.
Why Bishop Briggs Was Chosen for the Rose Parade
The Tournament of Roses selected Bishop Briggs to match the parade’s message of unity and collaboration. Her music often celebrates personal power and collective strength, which fits the theme “The Magic in Teamwork.”
Her live performance, combined with dancers and the visual scale of the Honda float, will anchor the parade’s Opening Spectacular and launch the New Year with energy and optimism.
