Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey to Host and Perform at ‘A Motown Christmas’ Special
A new holiday music special is on the NBC schedule. A Motown Christmas, hosted by Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey, will air Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 9 p.m. ET on NBC and be available on Peacock the next day.
The upcoming special is named after the 1973 compilation featuring Christmas music by artists like Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and Smokey Robinson.
Executive produced by Debbie Allen and Suzanne de Passe, this two-hour music event will celebrate the Christmas season with performances from Motown legends and new soul and R&B artists. It will feature holiday classics and over 25 Hitsville U.S.A. hits.
“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,” said de Passe, who was recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, class of 2024.
“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,” Allen said. “The music of Motown has always been magical, and we are going to sing and dance everyone into Christmas joy!”
Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, and The Temptations have been announced as performers from the Motown label.
Halle will pay tribute to Diana Ross and the Supremes. Jamie Foxx is set to celebrate Stevie Wonder, with support from Bebe Winans, Jordin Sparks, and Andra Day, who will also pay tribute to Motown founder Berry Gordy.
The late Marvin Gaye will be saluted by, of course, October London, along with JoJo. Other artists performing include Ashanti, mgk, Pentatonix, and the cast of MJ the Musical, who will present an exclusive performance from the show.
Rickey Minor, an Emmy-winning musical director, will lead an 11-piece live band for A Motown Christmas.
“Motown’s timeless hits have played as a soundtrack for American families for the last eight decades,” said Jen Neal, Executive Vice President of Live Events & Specials at NBCUniversal Entertainment.
Neal added, “NBC is honored to spotlight the iconic legacy of Motown with a festive celebration for the holiday season.”
A Motown Christmas follows two earlier NBC-aired, Emmy-winning specials: Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever and Motown Returns to the Apollo.
Stream A Motown Christmas here.