NBC will be ringing in the holiday season with A Motown Christmas. Hosted by Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey, the two-hour special will feature Motown legends and contemporary stars performing more than 25 of the label’s timeless hits as well as holiday favorites. A Motown Christmas will air Dec. 11 (9 p.m. ET/PT) on NBC and the next day on Peacock.
In addition to Robinson, the lineup of Motown legends who will be performing includes Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas and the Temptations. Besides Bailey, the contemporary stars also sharing the stage are Ashanti, Andra Day, BeBe Winans, Jamie Foxx, JoJo, Jordin Sparks, mgk, October London and Pentatonix.
Among the special’s musical highlights: a selection of chart-topping hits such as “My Girl,” “Tears of a Clown” and “ABC”; tributes to Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder; a new rendition of “Last Christmas” by mgk; a salute to Motown founder Berry Gordy by Day and a world exclusive performance from the Broadway company MJ the Musical
In a statement, NBCUniversal Entertainment’s executive vp of live events & specials Jen Neal said, “Motown’s timeless hits have played as a soundtrack for American families for the last six decades. NBC is honored to spotlight the iconic legacy of Motown with a festive celebration for the holiday season.”
A Motown Christmas is executive produced by actress/director/choreographer Debbie Allen and former Motown Productions president Suzanne de Passe and Madison Jones of De Passe Jones Entertainment. Leading production of the telecast is SpringHill; musical director is Rickey Minor.
“We’re excited to usher in the holiday spirit by bringing nostalgic performances and fresh renditions of Motown hits to homes across the world,” said SpringHill CCO Jamal Henderson. In the same announcement release, de Passe added, “I’m delighted to join Debbie Allen, SpringHill and NBC to bring Motown music, great artists and warm, family feelings together in a grand celebration of Christmas.”
Noted Allen, “I’m thrilled to be back in the saddle with Motown and Suzanne de Passe to bring to the world this much-needed holiday family special. The music of Motown has always been magical, and we are going to sing and dance everyone into Christmas joy!”
Prior to A Motown Christmas, NBC has aired two Motown television specials: Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever and Motown Returns to the Apollo. Each won the Emmy Award for outstanding music or comedy program.
A Motown Christmas: A Festive Holiday Special
NBC is set to kick off the holiday season with a spectacular event – A Motown Christmas. Hosted by Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey, this two-hour special will showcase a lineup of Motown legends and contemporary stars performing a mix of classic hits and holiday favorites. Mark your calendars for Dec. 11 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and catch it the next day on Peacock.
Legendary Lineup
Joining Robinson on stage will be iconic Motown artists such as Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, and the Temptations. Alongside them, contemporary stars like Ashanti, Andra Day, BeBe Winans, Jamie Foxx, JoJo, Jordin Sparks, mgk, October London, and Pentatonix will also take part in the celebrations.
Musical Highlights
The special will feature chart-topping hits like “My Girl,” “Tears of a Clown,” and “ABC,” as well as tributes to legends such as Diana Ross, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder. Look out for a new rendition of “Last Christmas” by mgk, a salute to Motown founder Berry Gordy by Day, and an exclusive performance from the Broadway company MJ the Musical.
Behind the Scenes
Executive produced by Debbie Allen, Suzanne de Passe, and Madison Jones, A Motown Christmas promises to be a grand celebration. With SpringHill leading the production and musical direction by Rickey Minor, the special is set to bring joy and nostalgia to audiences worldwide.
Excitement and Anticipation
SpringHill CCO Jamal Henderson expressed excitement about the upcoming event, while Suzanne de Passe shared her delight in bringing Motown music and holiday cheer to viewers. Debbie Allen added that the magic of Motown will shine bright during this festive season.
Legacy of Excellence
Prior to A Motown Christmas, NBC has a history of successful Motown specials, including Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever and Motown Returns to the Apollo, both Emmy Award winners. The upcoming special promises to continue this legacy of excellence.
Conclusion
Get ready to be swept away by the magic of Motown this holiday season with A Motown Christmas. Tune in for a night of unforgettable performances and joyful celebrations that will bring the spirit of Christmas to your home.
FAQs
Q: When will A Motown Christmas air?
A Motown Christmas will air on Dec. 11 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and the following day on Peacock.
Q: Who are some of the artists performing in A Motown Christmas?
The lineup includes Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, the Temptations, Ashanti, Andra Day, BeBe Winans, Jamie Foxx, JoJo, Jordin Sparks, mgk, October London, and Pentatonix.
Q: What can viewers expect from A Motown Christmas?
Viewers can look forward to a mix of classic Motown hits, holiday favorites, tributes to legendary artists, and exclusive performances in A Motown Christmas.
Credit: www.billboard.com
