Kelly Clarkson Sings Christmas Hits For Annual Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting

Published Nov 30, 2023 By Tiffany Smithson Aaron

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Kelly Clarkson did double duty during Wednesday night’s Christmas In Rockefeller Center special as she hosted and performed at the annual event.

Kelly Clarkson took on hosting duties for the first time during the 91st annual tree lighting ceremony that is televised each year from New York City’s Rockefeller Center. Clarkson first performed at the event 20 years ago, one year after being crowned the winner of American Idol. She has since returned many times to help ring in the holiday season, but this is the first time that she is hosting the star-studded celebration.

Joining Clarkson in the impressive performers lineup are Cher, Barry Manilow, the iconic Rockettes, David Foster & Katherine McPhee, Carly Pearce and more.

RELATED: KELLY CLARKSON COVERS BRENDA LEE’S “ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE”

Kelly Clarkson, who has released two Christmas albums, pulled from her vault of Christmas songs to treat fans to some stunning renditions of “Under The Tree,” “Glow” and “Santa, Can’t You Hear Me.” Clarkson first released “Santa, Can’t You Hear Me” as the second single from her 2021 album, When Christmas Comes Around… “Santa, Can’t You Hear Me” was originally recorded as a duet with Ariana Grande who was invited to join Clarkson on the track while the two were both coaches on The Voice. “Glow” was recorded as a duet with Chris Stapleton and also featured on When Christmas Comes Around…

Kelly looked festive and cozy in a fur-lined white coat and black leather gloves as she performed.

Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Tradition

Rockefeller Center, located between 49th and 50th Streets in Manhattan, is home to a giant Christmas tree that becomes the centerpiece of the Big Apple and its holiday festivities. The tree is a tradition that started in 1931 when workers at the Rockefeller Center pooled their money to purchase a 20-foot tall balsam fir.

This year, a Norway Spruce from Vestal, New York, was brought to the location and adorned with more than 50,000 LED lights and topped with a 900-pound Swarovski crystal star. The 2023 tree stands 80-feet tall and is 43-feet wide! It is estimated to be more than 80 years old.

See a clip of Kelly Clarkson’s performance in the video below.