There are Christmas performances—and then there are timeless moments like this one. In her 2013 NBC holiday special Kelly Clarkson’s Cautionary Christmas Music Tale, Kelly teamed up with country music legends Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire for a breathtaking rendition of “Silent Night” that left viewers in awe.
The performance began with Clarkson alone on stage, her voice calm and powerful as she sang the opening verse. The atmosphere was soft, almost reverent. Then Trisha Yearwood joined in, her warm, classic country tone wrapping around Kelly’s vocals like a cozy blanket. By the time Reba McEntire stepped into the spotlight, the stage was glowing with star power—and harmony.
The highlight? A stunning acapella fourth verse. No instruments. Just three powerhouse voices weaving through the iconic melody, giving the age-old carol a fresh and heartfelt meaning. Their chemistry was effortless, their respect for the song—and each other—palpable.
Fans flooded social media after the special aired, calling the trio’s version of “Silent Night” one of the most beautiful they’d ever heard. And critics agreed—American Songwriter described it as “absolutely angelic,” while Country Now called it “goosebumps-inducing.”
This magical performance was just one of the many shining moments in Clarkson’s holiday special, which also featured cameos by Blake Shelton, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robin Williams. It was a showcase not just of holiday cheer, but of Clarkson’s ability to blend pop and country with ease and class.
The performance is also featured on Kelly’s acclaimed holiday album Wrapped in Red, which went platinum and includes her hit single “Underneath the Tree.” But for many fans, the trio’s “Silent Night” remains the album’s emotional centerpiece—a shining example of how music can warm the soul, especially during the holidays.
