New Edition performed at NBC’s annual Christmas tree lighting (Image: undefined)

When legendary R&B outfit New Edition took the stage at NBC’s annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony, numerous viewers flooded social media with identical grievances.

On Wednesday, December 3, NBC presented its yearly Christmas tree lighting at New York City’s Rockefeller Center. The star-studded event featured performances from notable artists, including Reba McEntire, Gwen Stefani, Marc Anthony, Kristin Chenoweth, Michael Bublé, Brad Paisley, Halle Bailey, Laufey, Carly Pearce, the Radio City Rockettes, and New Edition.

The holiday celebration saw New Edition appear on stage dressed in coordinated red outfits and leather pants, delivering an energetic rendition of ‘Happy Holidays to You’ and ‘It’s Christmas (All Over the World).’ While some fans were delighted to witness the ’80s ensemble still performing, others flocked to social media platforms, claiming the group delivered subpar “lip syncing.”

On X, previously Twitter, one viewer commented, “New edition just lip sync tf out this performance at the Rockefeller center.”

A second person remarked, “Not New Edition lip syncing this badly.”

New Edition performed Christmas classics (Image: undefined)

Meanwhile, another viewer asserted, “new edition definitely giving lip syncing.”

Additional detractors criticized NBC’s booking decision, questioning why the network selected the veteran group instead of more contemporary acts. One spectator wondered, “NBC couldn’t find anyone more current than New Edition for the tree lighting ceremony?” Another observer noted, “Every few years New Edition pops out to remind us they’ve been here 40+ years.”

While someone else joked, “New Edition? This is a Really Old Edition.”

New Edition rose to fame in the 80s (Image: undefined)

But others were thrilled to see the group reunited and expressed disappointment they didn’t get more airtime.

One fan passionately wrote, “N—- SCREW BRAD PAISLEY, WYM NEW EDITION ONLY GOT 1 SONG AND IT WASNT EVEN ‘CAN YOU STAND THE RAIN’???? END THE SHOW DAWG SOMEONE CUT THE POWER IN NEW YORK.”

Another fan added, “Come on, New Edition!! I’ve always liked this song, lol.”

Someone else chimed in, “New edition still got it man, these niggas really the GOAT of men’s music groups.”