Floral floats, marching bands and equestrian units took to the streets under a sunny California sky as the 135th Rose Parade drew hundreds of thousands of spectators on New Year’s Day.

HOUSTON – So before we get to the performances from Monday night, a quick sidebar: on a show about singing/vocal ability… really, 50 Cent? Last week he gave Cassadee Pope THE song that will be her legacy on this show and most likely launch her career. That said, I did love this performance and I actually really liked the song. He has proven to be the most consistent artist in the competition, with great song choice after great song choice. Nicholas David Top 8Wrapping up the evening was Cassadee Pope singing Michelle Branch's angry femme-rock song, "Are You Happy Now?"