NBC Sets A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS

NBC will celebrate Motown—and the holiday season–with its two-hour A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS, set to air on Wednesday, December 11 (at 9/8c). The special will be hosted by Halle Bailey and Smokey Robinson.

According to the network, “The special will include performances featuring more than 25 Motown hits, performed by Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, and the Temptations. In addition, today’s contemporary stars will pay tribute to iconic Motown hits, with artists such as Ashanti, Andra Day, BeBe Winans, Halle Bailey, Jamie Foxx, JoJo, Jordin Sparks, mgk, October London, Pentatonix, and a world exclusive performance from the Broadway company “MJ the Musical.”

The songs performed will include “ABC,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to “Dancing in the Streets” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”, “My Girl”, “Reach Out (I’ll be There)” and “Tears of a Clown”, plus “Stop (In the Name of Love),” “Superstition” and more.

Additionally, “Halle Bailey will perform an exclusive medley of songs celebrating Diana Ross and the Supremes, Jamie Foxx will lead an uplifting celebration of Stevie Wonder’s greatest hits alongside Bebe Winans, Jordin Sparks and Andra Day. October London and JoJo will honor the late Marvin Gaye and mgk will sing a new rendition of “Last Christmas.” Andra Day will also perform a special tribute to the visionary founder of Motown, Berry Gordy, who wrote and produced many hit records, among his other groundbreaking contributions that transformed the entertainment industry.”

“Motown’s timeless hits have played as a soundtrack for American families for the last six decades,” said Jen Neal, Executive Vice President of Live Events & Specials at NBCUniversal Entertainment, in a statement. “NBC is honored to spotlight the iconic legacy of Motown with a festive celebration for the holiday season.”

“We’re excited to usher in the holiday spirit by bringing nostalgic performances and fresh renditions of Motown hits to homes across the world,” added Jamal Henderson, CCO, SpringHill. “Partnering with Suzanne, Debbie and Kelchris to bring Berry Gordy’s vision for Motown to life in this special is a holiday dream come true!”

“I’m thrilled to be back in the saddle with Motown and Suzanne de Passe to bring to the world this much-needed holiday family special,” executive producer Debbie Allen said. “The music of Motown has always been magical, and we are going to sing and dance everyone into Christmas joy!”

“I’m delighted to join Debbie Allen, SpringHill and NBC to bring Motown music, great artists and warm, family feelings together in a grand celebration of Christmas,” added executive producer Suzanne de Passe.

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