Kelly Clarkson Named As Host Of “Christmas In Rockefeller Center” TV Special

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Kelly Clarkson Set To Host Beloved Holiday Special, Christmas In Rockefeller Center, On November 29

Halloween hasn’t even happened yet, but Kelly Clarkson is already thinking about Christmas! On the October 26th episode of her talk show The Kelly Clarkson Show, the singer announced she’s hosting this year’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center TV special.

Each year, New York City welcomes the holiday season by lighting a giant Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center.

The tree lighting ceremony started being broadcast on NBC in 1997 and features holiday performances from some of music’s biggest stars. Country artists such as Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, and Blake Shelton have performed on the special in the past.

Clarkson is no stranger to the special herself, and has performed on the program multiple times. She first appeared on the special in 2003, just one year after she won American Idol.

Kelly Celebrates Hosting The Christmas Special In Her New Home Of New York

Clarkson and The Kelly Clarkson Show recently made the move to New York City for the show’s fifth season. The show films at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. In other words, Clarkson is thrilled to welcome the holiday season right in the heart of her new home:

“I had the opportunity to perform for my first time in NBC’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center 20 years ago, and I am stoked to reveal that I’m getting the chance to do it again, and this time, at my new home in 30 Rock,” she said on her show.

Clarkson revealed that on top of hosting, she’ll also perform during the special. She has a wealth of material to pull from, as she has two holiday albums under her belt. The first being 2013’s Wrapped in Red, and the second being 2021’s When Christmas Comes Around.

Everything You Need To Know About Kelly Clarkson Hosting The Christmas In Rockefeller Center Special In 2023

Billboard cites a press release about Clarkson’s hosting duties, in which she said:

“I’m so excited to consider this city and Rockefeller Center my new home, and I can’t imagine a better way to kick off Christmas this year than to be a part of this beautiful New York tradition with the lighting of the tree!”

The special will air on NBC and be available to stream on Peacock on Wednesday, November 29, at 8 PM ET. That’s the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, so mark your calendars!

More performers for this year’s special will be named at a later date. In the meantime, watch Clarkson’s announcement about her hosting duties below!