TODAY show Halloween 2025 delivered an iconic road trip across America. The annual October 31st extravaganza transformed Rockefeller Plaza with legendary performer tributes. Beyoncé, Prince, and Miranda Priestly stole the spotlight at the most-anticipated morning show event.
HDR10 vs Dolby Vision – Which Streaming Services Support What?
Apple TV+ Has the Highest-Rated Show of 2025 – Only 2% Watched It
🔥 Quick Facts:
- Savannah Guthrie channeled fashion icon Miranda Priestly from “The Devil Wears Prada.”
- Craig Melvin became Prince, performing a stunning “Purple Rain” wearing heels.
- Sheinelle Jones dazzled as Beyoncé in her “Cowboy Carter” era with backup dancers.
- Expert wigs required 80 hours each to create with SNL designer Jodi Mancuso.
- 31-year tradition since 1994 on the TODAY show plaza.
Iconic Costumes That Dominated the Plaza
TODAY’s 2025 Halloween theme celebrated American icons in an epic road trip. Craig Melvin knocked it out of the park as Prince in full purple regalia.
Verizon Unlimited Includes Disney+ – Check Your Phone Bill
AMC+ Has Better Horror Than Shudder – These 6 Prove It
The musician’s iconic “Purple Rain” look came complete with authentic platform heels. Craig performed the Oscar-winning hit live for the crowd at Rockefeller Center. He practiced his air guitar backstage to nail every detail perfectly. His dedication to authenticity impressed the entire production team.
Sheinelle Jones absolutely commanded attention as Beyoncé in her Cowboy Carter era. She performed “Texas Hold ‘Em” with professional backup dancers behind her. The custom-built costume featured trademark chaps and bedazzled boots. Sheinelle practiced her choreography repeatedly to get every move just right.
“I have this Mount Rushmore of women I admire and this is the last one.”
Fashion Legends Transform the Morning Show
Savannah Guthrie emerged as Miranda Priestly from the iconic 2006 film. She wore the character’s signature white bob wig and sleek black ensemble. The costume designer sourced a custom Prada-inspired handbag to complete the look.
Jenna Bush Hager paired perfectly with Savannah as Anna Wintour, the real-life Vogue editor. Jenna’s custom-printed floral dress was absolutely groundbreaking. The design team transferred fabric patterns by hand for authenticity. Her signature bob and sunglasses nailed the powerful fashion icon’s essence.
The two fashion queens shared an on-air skit discussing florals. They delivered hilarious banter about spring fashion with perfect comedic timing. The Devil Wears Prada moment delighted fans who love the film.
Legendary Musicians and Performers Take Center Stage
Beyond Prince and Beyoncé, the TODAY team honored more American icons. Dylan Dreyer transformed into Frankie Valli of the legendary Four Seasons. She performed “Walk Like A Man” with incredible energy and emotion. Her sons even helped her practice the routine at home.
Willie Geist became Wayne Newton, “Mr. Las Vegas.” He performed “Danke Schoen” alongside Vegas showgirls in a sparkling tuxedo. Peter Alexander channeled Jimmy Buffett with a full “Margaritaville” performance.
| TODAY Host | Character | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Craig Melvin | Prince | “Purple Rain” |
| Sheinelle Jones | Beyoncé | “Texas Hold ‘Em” |
| Dylan Dreyer | Frankie Valli | “Walk Like A Man” |
| Willie Geist | Wayne Newton | “Danke Schoen” |
Behind-the-Scenes Magic: The Costume Creation Process
Creating TODAY’s costumes requires serious artistry and time investment. Jodi Mancuso, head hair designer for Saturday Night Live, leads the team. She won 9 Emmy Awards for her exceptional costume work.
Each wig demands approximately 80 hours to construct and style perfectly. Designers work together, splitting wigs in half to speed production. Some are repurposed from previous years to save precious time.
Savannah’s Miranda wig proved the most challenging this year. The distinctive color and cut required extensive research and planning. Three additional hours went into cutting and styling alone.
Costume designer Staci Greenbaum oversees all fabric, accessories, and garment creation. She sources authentic pieces or fabricates exact replicas. A team of makeup artists transforms the anchors from dawn through noon.
What Fans Should Know About This Year’s Event
- The Road Trip theme celebrated American icons across all regions.
- Carson Daly appeared as Rocky Balboa in authentic 1970s workout attire.
- Al Roker battled Carson as Clubber Lang, Mr. T’s famous character.
- Laura Jarrett channeled Lisa Turtle from “Saved by the Bell” in neon scrunchies.
- Special guest Mario Lopez reprised his iconic “Saved by the Bell” role as A.C. Slater.
- TODAY fans participated in costume contests on the plaza throughout the morning.
Is TODAY Halloween the Most Epic Morning Show Tradition?
TODAY’s Halloween extravaganza represents 31 years of creative excellence. The tradition started way back in 1994 and grew every single year.
Millions tune in annually to watch these transformations unfold live. The energy on the Rockefeller Plaza is absolutely electric throughout the broadcast. Cast members give career-best performances that rival any stage production.
The costumes become national talking points instantly. Social media explodes with reactions to each reveal. Fashion critics and entertainment publications cover the entire event extensively.
TODAY’s commitment to costume quality exceeds most Halloween TV events. The production values rival major film studios and Broadway shows. NBC’s investment in this tradition demonstrates their dedication to entertainment.
Looking Forward: What Will 2026 Bring?
After this year’s success, speculation grows about next year’s theme. Will TODAY travel internationally? Hit different American eras? Time travel through history?
One thing’s certain: TODAY show Halloween will continue breaking new creative ground. The team sets the bar impossibly high each season. Next Halloween cannot arrive soon enough for eager fans.
Sources
- TODAY.com – Official Halloween 2025 live blog with complete costume details and behind-the-scenes coverage.
- NBC Insider – Comprehensive photo gallery and cast interviews about costume selection and preparation.
- Entertainment Tonight – On-set reporting including makeup artist interviews and transformation details.
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.