A very country holiday tradition continued for another year on Monday night (November 29), as the stars aligned for the 2021 CMA Country Christmas special. Hosted by Gabby Barrett and Carly Pearce, the festive night of cheerful tunes and twinkling lights featured performances from some of Nashville’s biggest names, and we’ve collected a few standouts here.
From the Pistol Annies shaking things up on “Snow Globe” to Jimmie Allen teaming up with Louis York and The Shindellas for “What Does Christmas Mean,” and from Carrie Underwood’s classic vocals to BRELAND’s emerging style, check out some highlights from a magic night below.
Gabby Barrett and Carly Pearce — “Sleigh Ride”
The night’s hosts teamed up for a swift-moving run through “Sleigh Ride,” showing why each became one of country’s top talents in 2021.
Carrie Underwood — “Mary, Did You Know?”
Underwood never disappoints, whether she’s rocking out or injecting spiritual soul into a long-loved reason-for-the-season anthem.
Jimmie Allen with Louis York and the Shindellas — “What Does Christmas Mean”
Clearly one the show’s most entertaining moments, Allen and his throwback-soul partners brought a big dose of holiday funk to their number.
The Pistol Annies — “Snow Globe”
Known for their sassy strut, the trio of Miranda Lambert, Angaleena Presley and Ashley Monroe showed a softer side with this new original, a track from their Hell of a Holiday album.
BRELAND — “The Christmas Song”
Fans may still be getting to know Breland, but if he keeps singing like this they’ll be onboard the hype train in no time.
The 2021 CMA Country Christmas special aired on ABC Monday (November 29). You can watch the full show on demand at Hulu, and view a few more special performances below.