Bishop Briggs, the singer behind hits like ‘River,’ performs as the opening act for the 2026 Rose Parade.
Singer-songwriter Bishop Briggs is kicking off the 137th Rose Parade with a high-energy performance in the Opening Spectacular presented by Honda. The British-American artist, known for her powerful vocals and hits like “River,” will perform atop the Honda float accompanied by 24 world-class dancers. The event, themed “The Magic in Teamwork,” has drawn massive attention, trending on social media with hashtags like #RoseParade2026 and #BishopBriggs as fans celebrate her role in welcoming the new year.
Bishop Briggs: Background and Rise to Fame
Born Sarah Grace McLaughlin on July 18, 1992, in London, England, Bishop Briggs adopted her stage name in honor of the Scottish town Bishopbriggs, where her parents grew up—to avoid confusion with singer Sarah McLachlan. At age 33, she holds British-American citizenship after moving to Tokyo at four, then Hong Kong, before settling in Los Angeles to pursue music.
Her breakthrough came in 2015 with “Wild Horses,” boosted by an Acura Super Bowl ad, followed by the 2016 smash “River,” which peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Alternative Chart and earned platinum status. Briggs opened for Coldplay on their 2016-2017 tour and has amassed over 4 million monthly Spotify listeners.
Career Highlights and Recent Projects
Briggs’ debut album Church of Scars (2018) featured anthems like “White Flag,” while her 2019 album Champion included empowering tracks. She won Season 9 of The Masked Singer in 2023 as Medusa, becoming the first British winner. In October 2025, she released the Halloween-themed EP “When It’s Halloween.”
Known for blending alternative, pop, and electronic elements with raw emotion, Briggs stands at 5 feet 7 inches and has an estimated net worth of $1.5-5 million from music, tours, and endorsements.
Her Role in the 2026 Rose Parade
Announced on December 16, 2025, Bishop Briggs headlines the Opening Spectacular atop Honda’s “The Power in Teams” float. She’ll perform her platinum anthem “River” and the empowering “Champion,” backed by dancers in a high-energy routine aligning with the parade’s teamwork theme.
The performance sets the tone for the iconic event, broadcast live and drawing millions worldwide—potentially one of the largest audiences for a live musical act.
Reactions and Why It Matters
Fans praise Briggs’ selection for her dynamic stage presence and uplifting music, perfect for New Year’s celebrations. Online buzz highlights her journey from indie breakout to parade star, with many sharing excitement over the rainy forecast not dampening spirits.
Conclusion
Bishop Briggs brings raw power and inspiration to the 2026 Rose Parade, marking a fitting start to the year with her themes of resilience and triumph. Her opening act promises to energize the floral spectacle and millions watching at home.
Are you tuning in for Bishop Briggs at the Rose Parade? Share your favorite song below.
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