NBC will kick off the holiday season with 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 all-time hits, as well as holiday favorites. Motown Christmas will air Dec. 11 (9 p.m. ET/PT) on NBC and the following day on Peacock.
In addition to Robinson, the lineup of Motown legends to perform includes Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas and the Temptations. In addition to Bailey, contemporary stars also sharing the stage include 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 including “My Girl,” “Tears of a Clown” and “ABC.” tributes to Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. a new interpretation of “Last Christmas” by mgk. a salute to Motown founder Berry Gordy by Day and a world-exclusive performance by the Broadway company MJ the Musical
In a statement, NBCUniversal Entertainment executive vice president of live events and specials, Jen Neal, said: “Motown's timeless hits have played as the soundtrack for American families for the past six decades. NBC is honored to showcase Motown's iconic legacy with a festive celebration of the holiday season.”
Motown Christmas Produced by actress/director/choreographer Debbie Allen and former Motown Productions president Suzanne de Passe and Madison Jones of De Passe Jones Entertainment. The top production of the TV show 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 into homes around the world,” said SpringHill CCO Jamal Henderson. In the same announcement, de Passe added, “I am delighted to join Debbie Allen, SpringHill and NBC in bringing together Motown music, great artists and warm, family feelings in one grand Christmas celebration.”
Allen noted, “I'm thrilled to be back in the saddle with Motown and Suzanne de Passe to bring the world this much-needed family holiday special. Motown music has always been magical, and we'll all be singing and dancing to Christmas cheer!”
Before Motown ChristmasNBC televised two Motown tributes: Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever and Motown Returns to Apollo. Each won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Music or Comedy Program.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/smokey-robinson-halle-bailey-host-nbc-holiday-special-motown-christmas-1235817448/