The grand finale of the 2026 Rose Parade will feature acclaimed indie pop duo Capital Cities alongside DEK of Hearts, winners of NBC’s “The Voice” Mic Drop competition. According to a press release from the Tournament of Roses on December 19, 2023, the performance will also include 24 dancers showcasing various styles, from flappers to hip-hop, alongside a collection of classic cars that span different eras.
Spotlight on Capital Cities
Formed in 2010 in Los Angeles, Capital Cities is known for their multi-platinum hit “Safe and Sound,” which earned them a Grammy nomination and became one of the most Shazam’d songs globally. The duo consists of Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian, who are currently approaching 9 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Their latest release, “So Be So Mine,” is an energetic alt-pop EP that debuted in late September 2023, featuring three tracks that highlight their distinctive sound.
Introducing DEK of Hearts
DEK of Hearts, a Nashville-based country trio, gained recognition through a unique competition on “The Voice” known as Mic Drop. This innovative format allowed each of the show’s four coaches—Michael Bublé, Snoop Dogg, Niall Horan, and Reba McEntire—to select standout contestants during the Knockouts round. Viewers then voted for their favorite Mic Drop contestant to perform at the Rose Parade, with voting taking place from November 24 to 28, 2023.
The trio, comprised of Dylan John, Emily Clapp, and Kollin Bailey, recently released their debut single “Taillights.” The song features a raw and emotional narrative of a breakup, showcasing their powerful vocals and catchy hooks.
The 2026 Rose Parade promises to be an exciting event, with a dynamic lineup that celebrates both emerging talent and established artists. This year’s theme and additional details about the parade will be announced in the coming months, as anticipation builds for this annual floral spectacle in Pasadena, California.
