On Wednesday night (November 29), Lainey Wilson lit up the Christmas at Graceland special on NBC with a bluesy, rock-infused take on “Santa Claus Is Back in Town.” Channeling the King of Rock and Roll himself, Wilson delivered a show-stopping performance that felt like a true tribute to Elvis Presley.
With the iconic Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, as her backdrop—complete with classic cars parked out front—Wilson fully embraced the holiday spirit. As the newly crowned CMA Entertainer of the Year, she made sure this performance was one to remember.
A Festive, Elvis-Inspired Look
Dressed in a rhinestone-studded, bell-bottomed jumpsuit (complete with a cape, of course), Wilson put her own Bell Bottom Country twist on the Elvis classic. She was joined by her touring band and special guest Meg McRee, who added beautiful acoustic guitar and background vocals. With confidence and charisma, Wilson commanded the stage, delivering an electrifying holiday performance.
Giving fans a behind-the-scenes look, Wilson later posted a video on Instagram, capturing moments from her time at Graceland.
“Well y’all…I sure am in the Christmas spirit now! ❤️🎄What a way to officially ring in the holidays by honoring the rock n roll legend himself, @elvis, at the beautiful @visitgraceland,” she wrote.
The Story Behind “Santa Claus Is Back in Town”
Originally recorded by Elvis Presley in 1957 for his Elvis’ Christmas Album, “Santa Claus Is Back in Town” was penned by legendary songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The album went on to become the best-selling Christmas album of all time in the U.S.
Over the years, many artists have covered the song, including Dwight Yoakam, who released his version in 1997. His take even charted on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs list.
A Star-Studded Night at Graceland
Wilson wasn’t the only big name to take the stage for Christmas at Graceland. The special featured performances from country stars like Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, and The War and Treaty, alongside music icons Alanis Morissette, John Legend, Lana Del Rey, and Post Malone. Each artist paid tribute to Elvis in their own unique way, making this a historic event.
Riley Keough, Elvis’ granddaughter and Emmy-nominated actress (Daisy Jones & The Six), also made appearances throughout the show. She even served as an executive producer for the special.
This Christmas at Graceland event was a first-of-its-kind broadcast, featuring never-before-seen footage of Elvis. It aired right after Christmas in Rockefeller Center, making for a night full of festive music and legendary performances.
What’s Next for Lainey?
After this magical Graceland performance, Wilson is heading back on the road. She’s set to wrap up the year with several shows, including a four-night run at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas.
With her powerhouse voice, undeniable stage presence, and ability to make every performance feel special, it’s clear why Lainey Wilson continues to captivate audiences. And if Elvis were watching? He’d definitely be proud.
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