Reba Performs Dolly’s ‘Hard Candy Christmas’ At 2018’s CMA Country Christmas
Youtube / Reba McEntire
CMA hosted their ninth annual CMA Country Christmas in 2018 with some special guests taking the stage to perform. Reba, who hosted for the second year, also put on a spectacular performance for the holiday music broadcast.
Leave it up to Nashville to ring in the holidays in the best way possible: spreading Christmas cheer for all to hear… literally.
A Festive Full House
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Aside from Reba’s graceful talent, other country favorites helped ring in the holidays alongside her. The acts included Tony Bennett, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Amy Grant, Diana Krall, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride, Old Dominion, Brad Paisley, Michael W. Smith, Lindsey Stirling, The Isaacs, and Brett Young.
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A Star-Studded Performance
As the country star entered the stage surrounded by giant Christmas trees and festive presents, she lit up the stage with her presence. Dressed in a stunning sparkly silver gown, she gracefully began to serenade the audience.
The singer took on her own rendition of Dolly Parton‘s “Hard Candy Christmas.” The original tune, which was written for the musical The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, was sung by Parton in 1982.
RELATED: 7 Facts About ‘The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas’
Parton’s version reached the Top 10 on the country singles charts in the fall of 1982. “Hard Candy Christmas” has since been covered by a long list of artists, from June Carter Cash to LeAnn Rimes, Kelly Clarkson, and even RuPaul! In 2016, Reba recorded a cover of the song for her My Kind of Christmas album.
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My Kind Of Christmas was Reba’s first holiday album in 17 years.
While promoting the album, McEntire spoke about “Hard Candy Christmas” and said, “It’s a song Dolly Parton recorded years ago and it’s one of my favorite Christmas songs. It’s really sad, but it’s one of my favorites.”
RELATED: Dolly Parton’s ‘Hard Candy Christmas’ Finds Its Way Onto Reba McEntire’s New Album
Accompanied by a piano, Reba’s vocals resonated throughout the venue. Her unique twangy voice set the perfect tone for the Christmas melody. As the country icon began to finish singing her final few notes, the crowd hollered in excitement and support over her performance.
