© 2010 CMA Close Up® News Service / CMA Close Up® News Service
The temperature rose high into the 70s the day after the CMA Awards. But inside Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, snow was falling and holiday cheer filled the air as some of the biggest names in Country Music performed Yuletide favorites in a Nov. 12 taping for CMA’s first-ever “CMA Country Christmas” TV special, to broadcast Monday, Nov. 29, 9:30 –11:00 PM ET, on the ABC Television Network.
(Sugarland performs “Winter Wonderland” and “Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel” at “CMA Country Christmas,” airing Monday, Nov. 29 (9:30 – 11:00 PM / ET) on the ABC Television Network. The holiday special was taped on Nov. 11 at Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville.
Photo: John Russell / CMA)
Even before the special airs, fans can celebrate the holiday season online where Country artists share their favorite holiday memories at www.CMAChristmas.com. From Nov. 18 until “CMA Country Christmas” airs on Nov. 29, a new artist or celebrity is featured in these video vignettes in addition to exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and interviews at www.Facebook.com/CountryMusicAssociation.
“The themes you find in Country Music are the foundation of what makes the holidays meaningful: the comfort of home, family and friends,” noted CMA CEO Steve Moore. “‘CMA Country Christmas’ will be wrapped in those traditions.”
In the Bridgestone Arena, the Awards show set was replaced with beautifully lit, giant Christmas trees, wrapped packages and huge ornaments that hung overhead. Many of the thousands of fans in attendance reflected the theme with Santa hats and other seasonal attire.
Host Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, the CMA Vocal Duo of the Year, greeted the audience and then got down to business as she and partner Kristian Bush, backed by the harmonies of Little Big Town, delivered a rousing rendition of “Winter Wonderland.” Sugarland also offered a soulful, understated take on “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” and Little Big Town injected blue-eyed Country soul into the evening on the gospel favorite “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” with the audience clapping along enthusiastically.
Rascal Flatts treated the crowd to two favorites, “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and a stirring a cappella version of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” showcasing both solid harmonies and expressive solo moments for all three members. LeAnn Rimes performed “White Christmas” as well as a spirited song-and-dance routine around the tree, assisted by dancers dressed as sailors who lifted her dramatically on the final note of the Brenda Lee classic, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Martina McBride gave a soul-stirring treatment to “O Holy Night,” but her gorgeous rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” with lush orchestral accompaniment, brought spectators to their feet. They remained standing as Darius Rucker followed to sing an original, “Candy Cane Christmas,” flanked by a huge screen filled with graphics of the striped, sugary treats.
CMA Entertainer of the Year Brad Paisley’s introduction included a clip of the singer at 12 performing the first song he ever wrote, “Born on Christmas Day.” Nettles responded with an affectionate tease, observing, “Might I add, you have really grown into your ears!” Then, seated on a stool at center stage, Paisley sensitively rendered “What Child Is This,” accompanying his solo vocal on acoustic guitar. Paisley also dueted with Sheryl Crow on Chuck Berry’s “Run Run Rudolph.”
The energy picked up as Reba McEntire delivered a spunky version of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” along with a troop of Santas who showered the crowd with gifts. And Kellie Pickler spiced up the evening in a slinky red dress and long, red gloves with a sultry take on “Santa Baby” atop an antique chaise lounge.
Everyone gathered onstage for the finale, a rollicking “Jingle Bell Rock,” with various artists taking solo turns and McEntire and Nettles taking one section together in harmony.
In addition to these live performances, “CMA Country Christmas” features intimate “fireside chat” segments, recorded backstage, in which a number of the artists on the program share their favorite Christmas memories.
“CMA Country Christmas” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the executive producer, Paul Miller is the director and David Wild is the writer. The special was shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.
