In case you weren't able to catch the show that aired a week ago today, December 1, here are some of the performances you missed from some of country's best artists, new and established. Thank you to Nashville for putting some country in Christmas this year.
Keith Urban: "The Christmas Song" - I am so glad we got a chance to see Keith's softer side. He's always hard rocking and sometimes you can't even truly hear the beauty in his voice because of the band and his own guitar. This was absolutely beautiful.
Vince Gill: "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" - Vince's voice makes anytime the most wonderful time of the year. If you've never seen him live, he is a MUST see for anyone and everyone. He is the definition of what music was meant to sound like.
Kellie Pickler: "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" - Kellie Pickler just brightens up a room the minute she walks in, she doesn't even have to open her mouth to sing. She's a breath of fresh air, brings heat the coldest heart and always is exactly who she is.
Martina McBride: "Please Come Home for Christmas" - Martina just brings class to any event she is a part of. Between her breath-taking beauty, down home heart and voice like a choir of Christmas angels, you can be assured that anything she sings is going to be amazing.
Scotty McCreery: "The First Noel" - Ahh Scotty, you're doing so much for our hometown of Garner, NC. He won American Idol, was voted Best New Artist in the American Country Awards and his debut single, "Love You This Big" was certified gold by the RIAA and earned the title of highest debut for a debut single in the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart. I'd say it's gonna be a great Christmas for Scotty McCreery this year.
Little Big Town: "Santa Claus is Back in Town" - Little Big Town can put the "unk" in funk, the "mony" in harmony, and their voices are the gift they choose to give us at Christmas. Thank you Little Big Town for keeping it real and sharing your talent.
Rascal Flatts: "White Christmas" - Rascal Flatts, the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry, provide a harmony that brings that word "mas" to Christmas because people want to hear "mas" (means "more" in Spanish, just in case you weren't familiar). They sell out concert after concert and there's no question as to why once you take a listen to this performance. THIS is the Rascal Flatts style of days gone by that I loved so much, so good to hear it again.
Faith Hill: "The Little Drummer Boy" - Any appearance by Faith Hill guarantees a superb performance and this was no disappointment. I loved the arrangement and the thought that went into making my least favorite Christmas song one I might actually start to like again. Glad to see Faith is back.
Sugarland: "Silent Night" - Not the song I wanted to hear from them, but they did it some major justice. I would have rather have seen an upbeat song that featured more vocals from Kristian and less foreign language I couldn't sing along with. It's nice that she threw in a musical language change for those that could understand though. Jennifer Nettles has one of the most beautiful and strong voices in country music when she ditches the over twang and just lets it truly flow from within. This night was not a silent night by a long shot.
Jennifer Nettles: "All I Want for Christmas is You" - Ok, so shoot me, I didn't like this one. I thought it was too variety-show like and being a huge fan of the original version by Mariah Carey, there are some things that just can't be outdone. That being said, it wasn't awful, but it sure wasn't at the top of my "would watch again over and over on Youtube at all hours of the night" list. But, to those of you who would .... here ya go!
Lauren Alaina: "My Grown Up Christmas List" - Loved it, loved her, loved the song choice. I think this song showcased her ability to show that she's not just a young girl playing dress up and singing into her hairbrush, it shows that she's grown into a beautiful young woman with an amazingly beautiful voice and an innocent quality you rarely see these days. This was one of my favorite performances of the night. I really hope Lauren goes a long way.
Amy Grant: "Breath of Heaven" - Love this song, love Amy Grant. I saw her perform this in Durham, NC in 2010 on her "12 Days of Christmas" tour with Vince Gill and it was stunning. I can say no less of this performance, absolutely wonderful. With the star above her head and the rays of light, she does indeed remind one of the Virgin Mary and makes you actually envision her standing there talking to God about the baby she's carrying. Very well done.
Little Big Town: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - I think I said it all on their last song shown a few videos above. This is my one of my favorites and they made it even more so.
Brad Paisley and Brian Setzer: "Sleigh Ride" - Hated it, even though I love both artists. I don't like them together and with this being a country show, I thought Brad should at least sing. Now, maybe he was sick and couldn't sing, in that case, at least he was there and played. Just didn't like this arrangement at all.
Darius Rucker: "Winter Wonderland" - How do you not like Darius? I thought he did a great job on this one. I'm glad they included him.
All Artists: "Jingle Bells" Jam - What a great way to end a great evening of music.
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