The 2014 edition of the CMA Country Christmas special aired last night, Dec. 1, and it featured some big names and classic tunes. Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson and Little Big Town were on hand to spread some holiday cheer. Aerosmith's Steven Tyler stopped by, and the whole event was hosted by Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles, who has been in control of the show for the last few years. Carrie Underwood, Hunter Hayes and Lucy Hale all contributed songs.
A few of the highlights from the show came in the form of duets between artists of the country persuasion and guests from other genres. Tyler and Paisley teamed up for a revved-up version of "Run, Run Rudolph" that showcased the country star's guitar chops. The Aerosmith frontman has let on recently that he will be working on his next solo effort in Nashville, so this is a nice welcome to the scene.
Check out the harmonica solo at 3:25:
Another great duet was between Nettles and Frozen superstar Idina Menzel. After Nettles praised the singer for her work on the film, the two harmonized beautifully on the hit song "Let It Go." It is not exactly a Christmas tune, but we will let it slide:
Newcomers Dan + Shay, whose April release Where It All Began hit No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart, brought the house down with a stirring rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." The two singers have amazing voices and did the favorite standard justice:
Country legend Jackson took on "Winter Wonderland," but it was his 2002 original "Let It Be Christmas" that really shined. It is not easy to write a Christmas song with so many classics out there, but Jackson penned a winner here:
Readers: Did you catch the special? What did you think? Comment below.
