Kelly Clarkson leads stars at Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

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Kelly Clarkson looked like a Christmas dream on Wednesday night as she hosted the 2024 Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in New York City.

The star not only aced her hosting duties, she also performed her own holiday song, “You For Christmas”, for the excited crowd. Also joining the “Breakaway” singer at the event were the Backstreet Boys, Jennifer Hudson, Little Big Town, Coco Jones, Raye and Dan + Shay, to name a few. 

The tradition of lighting the Rockefeller tree has been an NYC staple since 1933. “There is truly no tradition like watching that gorgeous tree sparkle and transforming Rockefeller Center into the epicenter of the holiday season in New York,” Jen Neal, the Executive Vice President of Live Events and Specials at NBCUniversal Entertainment, said in a statement. 

“With Kelly at the helm, we can’t wait to share this wonderful special and celebrate with the entire country.” The incredible tree stands at 74 feet tall and 43 feet wide and was shipped in from Massachusetts; it is complete with over 50,000 lights and a Swarovski crystal star at the top. Join HELLO! as we discover all the stars at the Christmas event.

© Michael Loccisano

Kelly Clarkson

Kelly was the perfect choice to host the annual event, delighting crowds with her warmth and her incredible singing voice. 

She donned a black coat with dramatic fur detailing on the cuffs and collar and accessorized with large hoop earrings. 

She opted to pull her brunette locks back into a ponytail and wore bright red lipstick with sparkly eyeshadow. 

Jennifer Hudson© NBC

Jennifer Hudson

The crooner delighted the crowd with multiple songs, including “Make It to Christmas”. 

She wore a dazzling matching blue coat and gown which sparkled in the light. 

Jennifer wore her long tresses in a ponytail and even had matching sparkly blue nails for the occasion.

Backstreet Boys© Michael Loccisano

Backstreet Boys

The iconic boy band donned their winter coats for a rendition of Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)”. 

The boys coordinated their outfits, with some wearing a plaid design while others wore deep reds and greens for the festive season.

Little Big Town© NBC

Little Big Town

The country stars took to the stage with a rendition of “Santa Claus is Back in Town from their album The Christmas Record

While Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet opted to wear suits for the event, Kimberly Schlapman wore a gorgeous white mid-length strapless gown with a warm fur over her shoulders and white gloves. 

Karen Fairchild sported a stunning green look, complete with a fur coat to ward off the December chill. 

Raye© NBC

Raye

The British star wowed the crowd with “White Christmas”, “Jingle Bells, and “O Holy Night in her signature jazzy style, looking ethereal in a white floor-length gown with an oversized white fur coat to keep her warm. 

Dan + Shay© NBC

Dan + Shay

The country duo sang “Pick Out a Christmas Tree and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree for the audience, both dressed to the nines for the night. 

While Dan Smyers sported a black suit with a black turtleneck underneath, Shay Mooney wore a green velvet suit with a black collared shirt underneath. 

Coco Jones© NBC

Coco Jones

Singer-songwriter Coco Jones stunned at the event with beautiful renditions of “A Timeless Christmas”, “String of Lights, and “Do You Hear What I Hear? 

Kelly called the Grammy winner “mesmerizing after her stellar performances. She sported a brown fur coat for the night and wore her brunette tresses down to her shoulders. 

Thalia© KENA BETANCUR

Thalia

The Mexican pop queen sang a slew of songs for the joyful crowd, including “Nueva Navidad”, but it was her outfits that had people gasping. 

She wore an eye-catching sparkly red jumpsuit with a plunging neckline for her first number, followed by a sheer leotard with jewelled designs and a large red bow on her back, complete with silver knee-high boots for the second song; the showstopper was her incredible sparkling silver jumpsuit complete with a giant red cape that she ended on.

Radio City Rockettes© NBC

Radio City Rockettes

The iconic dance group danced to a “Christmas Lights medley in mini dresses fringed in gold. 

According to Today.com, they rehearse for six hours a day, six days a week, in the lead-up to the “Christmas Spectacular”.

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