sings in the Macy's Friends & Family Sale ad

If you’ve seen a Macy's commercial lately, you’ve probably felt it: an irresistible urge to tap your foot, smile, and maybe even call a friend to go shopping. It’s a feeling that goes beyond just seeing clothes on a rack. The new Macy's Friends & Family Event campaign for 2026 is filling screens with vibrant style and an equally vibrant soundtrack that grabs your attention and doesn't let go.

But who is the incredible voice behind the song that makes you feel so good? The answer is the Grammy-nominated, multi-talented force of nature known as Janelle Monáe.

The Voice of the Campaign: Janelle Monáe's "We Are Family"

At the heart of the new Friends & Family Event advertisement is a fresh, soulful rendition of the iconic disco anthem "We Are Family." Originally made famous by Sister Sledge in 1979, the song has been reimagined for a new generation by the one and only Janelle Monáe. It’s a choice that feels both timeless and perfectly contemporary.

You can watch the main commercial and hear her stunning version here:
👉 [Watch: Macy's | Friends & Family Event (Official Ad)] (

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Monáe's version keeps the classic's joyful, celebratory spirit but infuses it with her unique artistic flair—a signature blend of funk, soul, and modern R&B that feels both nostalgic and completely fresh. Her voice glides over the familiar melody, adding layers of warmth and soulful conviction. It’s not just a cover; it's a reinterpretation that makes the song her own. This makes it the perfect musical embodiment of what the Friends & Family event is all about: sharing great style and great deals with the people you love, while celebrating your own individuality.

Why "We Are Family"? The Perfect Song for the Event

The choice of "We Are Family" is no accident. It's a masterstroke of marketing psychology that operates on multiple levels. The song’s title and lyrics directly mirror the name and spirit of the Macy's sale event. It’s a powerful subconscious cue that shopping at Macy's isn't just a transaction; it's a shared experience, a way to connect with your inner circle and create memories.

The song evokes a powerful trifecta of feelings:

Togetherness: It instantly reminds us of the joy of shared experiences, like a fun shopping trip with friends, finding the perfect outfit for a family wedding, or picking out a gift for someone special.
Celebration: The upbeat tempo, driving bassline, and positive, affirming lyrics turn the simple act of shopping for a sale into a celebratory event. It transforms a task into a party.
Inclusivity: "We Are Family" is a universal anthem of belonging that transcends generations and backgrounds. This aligns perfectly with Macy's long-standing goal of being a department store for everyone, a place where all are welcome to find their style.

By choosing Janelle Monáe to deliver this message, Macy's doubles down on these powerful themes. Monáe is an artist known for her powerful messages of individuality, self-expression, and community. She doesn't just sing the song; she embodies its deepest meaning. She stands as a living example of how embracing your unique identity can bring people together.

Who is Janelle Monáe?

For the uninitiated, Janelle Monáe is a force of nature whose talents seem to know no bounds. She is a singer, songwriter, rapper, actress, record producer, and dancer whose work defies easy categorization. She first burst onto the music scene with her innovative concept albums, blending Afrofuturism, funk, soul, psychedelic rock, and even touches of Broadway. Hits like the defiant "Tightrope" and the infectious, Prince-influenced "Make Me Feel" showcase her incredible musical range and undeniable on-stage charisma.

But Monáe is also an award-winning actress of the highest caliber. She delivered stunning, critically acclaimed performances in films such as the Oscar-nominated Hidden Figures, the Best Picture winner Moonlight, and the powerful biopic Harriet. Whether she's commanding a stage, inhabiting a character in a recording studio, or lighting up the silver screen, she brings a unique combination of intensity, grace, and joyful authenticity to everything she does.

This incredible versatility is what makes her the perfect ambassador for Macy's. She represents creativity, unshakeable confidence, and the transformative power of personal style—all core values that the brand holds dear.

More Than Just a Jingle: The "Own the Floor" Campaign

The Friends & Family ad is just one brilliant part of a larger brand initiative for Macy's in 2026 called the "Own the Floor" campaign. This broader effort is all about celebrating personal style and the confidence that comes with it. It’s an empowering call to action, urging customers to step out and express themselves.

The music in these ads is equally important, often featuring rhythmic, empowering tracks designed to make you feel ready to take on the world. The sonic landscape of the campaign is curated to build a feeling of strength and self-assurance.

You can get a real feel for the energy and visual language of the full campaign here:
👉 [Watch: Macy's | "Own the Floor" Campaign (2026)] (

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Janelle Monáe's presence extends beyond just the Friends & Family commercial. She is also prominently featured in the Spring Style Guide videos, which showcase the seasonal collections that are part of the promotion. In these spots, she doesn't just provide the voiceover; she becomes the guide, walking viewers through the latest trends and showing, with her characteristic flair, how to make them your own. She models the clothes, demonstrates how to accessorize, and embodies the "Own the Floor" attitude.
👉 [Watch: Macy's | Spring Style Guide (Featuring Janelle Monáe)] (

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Why This Campaign Works

The 2026 Macy's Friends & Family campaign is a perfect example of integrated, multi-sensory marketing. Here’s a deeper look at why the combination of Janelle Monáe and "We Are Family" is so extraordinarily effective:

Emotional Resonance: The song creates an instant, positive, and deeply ingrained emotional connection. It’s familiar and loved across generations, but Monáe's contemporary version makes it feel current, exciting, and relevant for today's shoppers.

Perfect Brand Alignment: Monáe's artistic identity—celebrating individuality, fostering community, and promoting fearless self-expression—perfectly mirrors the exact values Macy's wants to project. The partnership feels authentic, not forced.

A True Multi-Sensory Experience: The campaign doesn't just show you clothes; it makes you feel something powerful through music. The beat makes you want to move; the lyrics make you smile and feel included. This creates a much deeper, more memorable brand impression than a simple product shot ever could. It engages both sight and sound to build a feeling.

Narrative Depth: By featuring Monáe across multiple ad formats (the event spot, the brand campaign, the style guide), Macy's creates a narrative. She's not just a one-off voice; she's the guide and the face of the season, building a relationship with the viewer over time.

Conclusion

So, the next time you hear that familiar, joyful melody in a Macy's commercial and find yourself asking, "Who is that incredible singer?", you'll know the answer. The powerful, soulful voice singing in the Macy's Friends & Family Sale ad belongs to the one and only Janelle Monáe.

Her soulful, modern take on "We Are Family" is more than just a jingle; it's the vibrant heartbeat of the entire campaign, reminding us all that style is better when it's discovered, celebrated, and shared. Whether she's singing, styling an outfit, or simply being her iconic, authentic self, Janelle Monáe is the perfect partner to help you find your confidence and own the floor.

👉 Watch the full Macy's 2026 campaign here: