Kelly Clarkson made first tree lighting appearance 20 years ago
Kelly Clarkson, the host of the 2023 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, made her tree lighting debut 20 years ago.
Clarkson has performed at the tree lighting ceremony a number of times over the last two decades. Her first appearance on the Christmas plaza was in a performance at the event 20 years ago, she said on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" last month.
"I am stoked to reveal that I am getting the chance to do it again and this time at my new home at 30 Rock," she said.
In addition to her hosting duties, Clarkson is expected to perform throughout the two-hour special.
NYPD ramps up presence because of a possible protest
New York police are anticipating a pro-Gaza rally around 6 p.m. ahead of the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
The group is calling on its supporters to “Flood The Tree Lighting for Gaza,” prompting the NYPD to increase its uniformed and plainclothes presence beyond what is already laid on for a heavily secured event.
Police officials have said that they will not tolerate any destruction or violence and that they plan to use department drones to monitor crowds and make sure there are no disturbances.
The NYPD has said the city is in a “heightened threat environment” tied to the Israel-Gaza war, but it says there are no specific or credible plots threatening the city and specifically the tree lighting.