This holiday season, fans have plenty to celebrate as major celebrities grace television screens with festive musical specials filled with holiday cheer. From country music superstars to beloved pop icons, the trend of celebrity holiday specials is on the rise, captivating audiences with magical performances and seasonal favorites.
Little Big Town kicked off the festivities with their special, "Little Big Town's Christmas at the Opry," which aired live from Nashville on December 16 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Following the recent release of their first-ever Christmas album, the band expressed sheer excitement for the evening. “This is an incredible honor for us, and we are beyond thrilled to share this special evening with viewers and fans across the country,” the band stated. They invited special guests Josh Groban, Orville Peck, and actress Kate Hudson to join them on stage, bringing together some of the biggest names to celebrate the holiday spirit.
The country ensemble, known for chart-topping hits like "Girl Crush" and "Boondocks," left no stone unturned for their Christmas special. The array of performances included covers of classic holiday songs alongside original compositions from their Christmas album. Peck wowed the audience with his masked rendition of "Christmas All Over Again," and Hudson charmed everyone with her performance of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Kelly Ballerini, Dan + Shay, Sheryl Crow, and Kirk Franklin rounded out the guest list, creating the holiday spectacle viewers have come to love.
Little Big Town’s move toward holiday music is part of a broader trend as celebrity-led Christmas specials experience renewed popularity. Once perceived as mundane, holiday telecasts have transformed dramatically, rife with flavor and excitement. Notably, Sabrina Carpenter's "A Nonsense Christmas" presented performances blending pop, rap, and country, indicating the shift away from traditional holiday entertainment norms.
Hosting the special last year, Wynonna Judd had set high bar for the show, but Little Big Town managed to raise it even higher for 2023. Their Christmas album "The Christmas Record," released just two months prior, features original tracks and holiday classics, making it the perfect accompaniment for seasonal festivities. The group had contemplated recording holiday music for nearly 25 years, but former commitments postponed their plans until now.
Meanwhile, Andrea Bocelli’s beloved holiday tradition continues with his Christmas Eve special set to air on CBS at 8:00 p.m. ET on December 24. Titled "Christmas With Andrea Bocelli and Friends," the concert promises to showcase not only Bocelli's exceptional vocal talent but also the magic and warmth of the holiday spirit. Bocelli’s specials have become synonymous with Christmas celebrations for many families, eager to experience his passion for music.
This increasing focus on celebrity-driven holiday special broadcasts underlines the way entertainment staples are amplifying their engagement when it matters most—drawing audiences together during the festive season. The blending of genres, illustrated through Brenda Lee's Christmas classics to contemporary hits, has captured the public's imagination, encouraging music lovers to embrace diversity during one of the year's most special times.
With the anticipated success of these holiday programs, artists are increasingly recognizing the value of this tradition—not only as entertainment but as communal experiences enriching the holiday spirit. The shows reflect fun and festive engagement, aimed at providing relaxation and joy to viewers as they gather with loved ones.
While Christmas music continues to retain its sentimental charm, viewers have been treated to diversified talent and performances, bridging the generational gap and creating lasting memories. Artists giving listeners cheerful renditions are not only maintaining the spirit of their classic tracks but pushing creative boundaries, as seen with shows like "Christmas at Graceland," highlighting pop and rap stars like Lana Del Rey and Post Malone.
With household names continuing to heighten interest, fans can look forward to celebrating the holidays with laughter and music sharing togetherness. The increasing array of celebrity holiday specials emphasizes their ability to unite diverse audiences, reminding everyone of the power of music to light up this festive season.
Indeed, the holidays are not just about shopping and decorations; they are also about coming together, and this year’s celebrity specials do just the trick. Pulling out all the stops, these artists are embracing the fun and life-affirming nature of the holiday spirit, ensuring audiences have much to look forward to during Christmas. Whether it’s through powerful vocal performances or heartwarming collaborations, the charm of holiday specials remains evergreen.
