On December 8, 2004, NBC aired a Christmas special featuring Clay Aiken. The holiday show was an hour long and was filled with intimate performances set in a beautiful Christmas set that was put together as a beautiful family home, decorated with traditional holiday ornaments.
Clay was joined on the stage by musical superstar, Barry Manilow, Gospel singer, Yolanda Adams and actress and singer, Megan Mullally. Clay’s good friend and back-up singer, Quiana Parler was also a featured performer.
There was an interesting twist in the flow of the show. Instead of just showing the final taping, the producers showed some of the backstage workings of putting a show together. The clips showed the cast and crew as they buzzed about between the different parts of the program.
Among the beautiful Christmas decoration, friends and family were seated on the stage to add to the family feel.
Highlights of the program included “Christmas Waltz, “Merry Christmas With Love,” and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. Another favorite part of the show was when the performers talked about some of their unusual gifts.
In the finale, Clay was joined by Barry Manilow and Yolanda Adam as they sang a stirring rendition of “Because It’s Christmas.”
This Christmas special was unique in that it focused on the music and had no skits or jokes. And the idea of having some of the audience members on the stage gave the impression of a big Christmas Party.
Clay was credited as an Executive Producer of the show. A DVD of the program was available and was certified Gold by the RIAA in December, 2005.
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This was also produced by Clay Aiken, if I remember correctly. All I can say is at least it was about Christmas and singing of great Christmas music. I watch Carrie Underwoods last night and they didn't do any Christmas songs. I was very disappointed. I hope Clay does another one of these specials in the future.
This Christmas special Clay Aiken is really wonderful. Thanks
Rossy
That was an excellent Christmas special. My only problem was there were not enough Clay Aiken songs.
Clay demonstrated his producing skills at that time and I believe he'll be using them in the future.
As much as Carrie's special was hyped, it was rather underwhelming. Clay is a natural onstage and very comfortable and has a natural humor. Nothing forced.
This is just wonderful! Thanks for getting it all together and sharing with us! Clay is so natural and flowing in his gift! I pray He always be in the center of God's will for his life. Christmas songs and Clay are just synonymous for me. He's so gifted and shares with such confidence and ease!
I don't watch Christmas specials unless they're very special. I DID watch Clay Aiken's when it aired and LOVED it!!! I always check the cable stations, just in case they re-air it.
Thanks so much!
I watched the Carrie Underwood Holiday Special for about 1/2 hr last night and turned it off because it was not a good Christmas show. Instead, I got out the DVD of Clay’s Christmas program to watch. I’ve always wondered why the DVD doesn’t contain Megan Mullally’s performance which was terrific.
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