cma country christmas

Chris Young and Brad Paisley performed "The First Noel" during the 2016 'CMA Country Christmas' TV special.

Viewers in the audience and at home could only watch in amazement as two of the finest guitarists around traded licks during Thursday night’s ‘CMA Country Christmas’ special on ABC. Brian Setzer sang while Brad Paisley took lead on ‘Sleigh Ride’ and ‘Boogie Woogie Santa Claus.’

Kellie Pickler added an extra level of sexy on Thursday night’s ‘CMA Country Christmas’ special, as she took the stage in a strapless red dress that hit the blonde bombshell at her knees with sparkly stiletto heals as she performed ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.’

As Sugarland‘s Jennifer Nettles remarked, Martina McBride has one of the best voices in music — not just in country, but in all genres. McBride practically floated as she sang her rendition of ‘Please Come Home for Christmas’ on the Dec. 1 ‘CMA Country Christmas’ special, which we’d argue could be the performance of the evening.

Rascal Flatts sang a haunting rendition of ‘Mary Did You Know’ at the ‘CMA Country Christmas’ special. In an evening filled with fun and laughter — including an appearance by Miss Piggy — the song added a spiritual tone to the evening

After taking the stage earlier in the evening with Little Big Town on the airing of ‘CMA Country Christmas’ on Thursday night, Keith Urban returned to the spotlight to sing a sentimental and moving rendition of ‘The Christmas Song.’

Jennifer Nettles was clearly glowing from the countdown to her big wedding day when she filmed the ‘CMA Country Christmas’ special! The Sugarland singer hosted this year’s holiday event by bringing warm yuletide cheer to the crowd — and by wearing festive (may we say daring?) outfits at the show.

During Thursday night’s second annual ‘CMA Country Christmas’ special on ABC, Darius Rucker treated fans to one of the best vocally delivered performances of the evening when he sung ‘Winter Wonderland.’

The second annual ‘CMA Country Christmas’ special on ABC finished with all the evening’s performers returning to the stage to sing a snazzy rendition of ‘Jingle Bells.’ Host Jennifer Nettles wore yet another new outfit as she introduced what turned out to be an awards show-worthy lineup.