‘CMA Country Christmas’ Launches Holiday Season With Christmas Classics, Originals
Christmas has arrived, and boy does it look good dressed in a ten-gallon hat and some sparkles! The 2014 'CMA Country Christmas' special aired Monday night (Dec. 1) and delivered gift after gift in the form of country's biggest stars singing holiday staples.
The show -- which was pre-taped in November in Nashville -- was a perfect blend of new and tried-and-true artists singing traditional and unique Christmas songs. Dan + Shay, Lucy Hale, a very dapper Brett Eldredge -- the new -- were mixed in with festive performances from Alan Jackson and LeAnn Rimes after hostess Jennifer Nettles kicked off the event with a very sparkly 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.'
Dan + Shay delivered a beautiful, harmonic rendition of 'Have Yourself a Little Christmas,' while Jackson took us on a walk through a 'Winter Wonderland' and Little Big Town prayed with 'Pray on Christmas.' And in order to properly wrap up the year (almost) behind us, Nettles and 'Frozen' actress Idina Menzel teamed for the ever-popular 'Let It Go,' from the Disney movie.
In the spirit of the season, Hunter Hayes spent some quality time with a fan named Courtney for a Macy's Make-a-Wish segment, during which the perfect pair sang his hit 'Wanted' together and the star gave the fan her own Martin guitar, in addition to front row seats at the event.
Also noteworthy is the fact that Carrie Underwood made her first-ever appearance on the 'CMA Country Christmas' stage, singing 'All Is Well' with Michael W. Smith. In addition to Menzel, the show saw guest appearances from Clare Bowen of 'Nashville' and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, who teamed with Brad Paisley for a rockin' 'Run Rudolph Run.'
Nettles wrapped the show in a perfectly sparkly bow with a very fun, very upbeat 'Jingle Bells.' And with that, it was officially the Christmas season.
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