If you’re watching the 2026 Rose Parade and wondering who’s singing at the very start, the name to know is Bishop Briggs — the London-born singer-songwriter chosen to kick off the parade with a live performance from the Honda float as part of the event’s Opening Spectacular.
The Tournament of Roses confirmed Briggs for the opening slot in December, positioning her at the front of one of New Year’s Day’s most-watched traditions. (If you’re planning your morning, the official parade details and updates are posted by the Tournament of Roses.)
The basics: who she is
Bishop Briggs is the stage name of Sarah Grace McLaughlin, a singer-songwriter originally from London. She adopted the name “Bishop Briggs” to avoid confusion with similarly named artists, and as a personal nod to her family roots. Her sound sits at the intersection of alternative pop and rock — built around a powerhouse vocal and lyrics that lean into grit, resilience, and emotion.
Why her music feels familiar
Even if you don’t recognize her name right away, there’s a good chance you’ve heard her songs before. Briggs gained early attention when her 2015 track “Wild Horses” landed in a major U.S. commercial spot, putting her voice in front of a huge audience and accelerating her rise.
The song that truly broke through, though, was “River” — a dramatic, chest-thumping anthem that helped establish her as a major force in the alternative space. The track’s success opened bigger doors, including high-profile tour opportunities that introduced her to arena-sized crowds.
What she’s performing at the Rose Parade
For the Rose Parade opening, Briggs is expected to deliver a compact, high-energy set designed for TV — the kind that works in quick cuts and wide shots as the float rolls forward. Reports indicate she’ll perform “River” and “Champion”, pairing the vocal moment with choreography from 24 dancers to match the spectacle of the lead float.
What she’s been up to lately
Briggs has maintained a loyal, global fan base, with streaming numbers that place her among the most-listened-to artists in her lane. In late 2025, she released a seasonal project — a Halloween-themed EP titled “When It’s Halloween” — showing off a playful, darker edge while staying true to her signature vocal intensity.
Why she’s a strong “opening act” choice
Opening the Rose Parade is different from playing a concert stage: it’s outdoors, it’s timed to the movement of a float, and it has to read instantly for viewers who are half-watching while making coffee. Bishop Briggs fits that challenge because her songs hit fast — big chorus, big voice, clear emotional punch — which is exactly what an opening performance needs to set the tone.
If you’re tuning in just for the music, listen for that first chorus: for many viewers, it’ll be an “I know this song” moment — and for others, it’ll be a first introduction to an artist who’s built her career on turning intensity into anthems.
