Jimmy Fallon's awkward microphone mishap at Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

Jimmy Fallon has suffered an embarrassing moment during his live performance at the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on Thursday.

The Tonight Show star, 50, appeared to have his microphone switched off at some point during a rendition of Hey Rudy alongside his longtime backing band, The Roots.

As the group gave a spirited performance of the Christmas-themed track about Santa's most famous reindeer, the comedian energetically bounced around as he sang the catchy chorus.

However, once the song came to an end, 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 be saying 'Happy Thanksgiving' to those watching from home as he waved and cheered enthusiastically towards the camera.

Eagle-eyed viewers picked up on the moment as one wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'Jimmy Fallon with the worst case of lip singing ever. He even talked when the song was over and his mic wasn’t even working.'

Indeed, many fans were sure that the star had been lip-synching as another wrote: 'Always enjoy Jimmy Fallon but he’s not even attempting to make it look like he’s singing this. Mic is barely near his face [laughing face emoji].'

A third tweeted: 'Obviously they have to lip sing in a parade but man Jimmy Fallon thinks he on Lip Sync Battle as it appears he’s not trying to actually convince us he’s singing haha.'

One user stated: 'Fallon and the Roots at least gotta try to make it look like they aren’t lip syncing lol.'

Another viewer added: 'Jimmy Fallon failed the lip sync challenge.'

Elsewhere, fans were loving the spirited performance as one commented: 'I’m watching Jimmy Fallon sing and he’s eating it up let’s go 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 amused viewers when the parade kicked up at 8.30am, as Jimmy had his shades firmly on despite the heavy downpour.

One fan joked: 'Jimmy Fallon wearing sunglasses in the rain is the big hangover energy America can relate to today.' 

Another added: 'Sunglasses in the rain is the most Jimmy Fallon that Jimmy can Fallon.' 

'Jimmy Fallon in sunglasses in a genuinely good mood clearly still drunk,' a third fan mused. 

Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, a source revealed that it was a deliberate choice for the star and his band to rock their shades. 

'His band (including The Roots) are wearing sunglasses, they all rehearsed in them,' the insider noted. 

'It is pouring and they are getting rushed 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 the likes of Jennifer Hudson and Idina Menzel.

This year's parade features 17 giant, helium-filled character balloons, 22 floats, 15 novelty and heritage 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 spotlight the Rao's food brand, featuring a knight and a dragon in battle made with actual pasta elements.

Another will celebrate the Bronx Zoo's 125th anniversary with representations of a tiger, a giraffe, a zebra and a gorilla.

Kicking off at 8:30 a.m. on Manhattan's Upper West Side, the parade then ends 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) away around noon at 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 only been cancelled three times since 1924. 

As millions of American's tuned in to watch the parade from the warmth of their homes, some noted the lacking crowds and how the rain was dampening performances.

'I'm gonna go start cooking cause the Macy's day parade is sad,' one person said on X.

'The phrase don't rain on my parade was coined specifically for the Macy's Thanksgiving parade,' said another.

'What kind of mentally ill do you have to be to stand in the rain all morning just to watch the Macy's thanksgiving day parade,' a third person said.

'Macy's day parade a totally gray, sad affair. Sound of silence a** parade,' a fourth said.

As dark looming clouds loomed over the show, some suggested changes the whole production of the parade.

'The Thanksgiving Parade needs to CHANGE! @Macys… put cameras all over the balloons, reduce the number of Broadway shows - no one wants to see them, stop the lip syncing soooo many changes needed,' one person said.

Earlier this week, it was reported that NBC may be forced to cough up triple their usual fee to hold onto the broadcast rights for the annual parade.

The Comcast-owned network – which has had the broadcast rights to the holiday TV staple since 1953 – is currently trying to nail a new deal to keep the festive event for the next decade, according to The Wall Street Journal. 

After usually paying $20 million for the privilege, sources told the WSJ that the amount could jump up to $60 million.

The parade airs on NBC with hosts Savannah, Hoda and Al Roker, while also streaming on the network's Peacock service. 

Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza host a Spanish simulcast on Telemundo.