Kelly Clarkson’s love for the holiday season is no secret. She celebrates it all year long with “Ambush Christmas” segments on her a daytime talk show as studio viewers and guests are treated to off-season snow, music and epic giveaways.
This year the American Idol OG winner and The Voice coach is doubling down on the holiday spirit. Timed to the release of her new holiday album, the Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around holiday spectacular will air Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
The special will be filled with Kelly’s new original songs as well as a curated list of iconic classics, dancing, superstar performances featuring My Band Y’All with a streamlined modern orchestra and duets. The stage at Universal Studios Hollywood will be designed to evoke timeless Christmas themes inspired by the power of song, from fantastical worlds of being underneath the tree to a forest lit by the Northern Lights.
Brett Eldredge, Ariana Grande, Jay Leno, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Odom Jr., Amy Poehler and Santa Claus will join Kelly and some special everyday heroes with life-changing surprises.
“People celebrate the holidays in different ways and that is the inspiration behind the original songs and the curated classics that are featured in this special,” Kelly said in a statement. “No matter what your heart is feeling this holiday season, I hope that this hour brings you joy and happiness exactly where you are.”
Alex Duda and Kelly Clarkson are executive producers. Emmy winner Joe Terry directs.
The original music featured in the special is from When Christmas Comes Around…, Kelly’s ninth studio album, available now via Atlantic Records. The 15-track collection sees the singer and talk show host reunite with long-time collaborators Jason Halbert, Jesse Shatkin and more for a mix of new original songs and Christmas classics.
