Andrea Bocelli and Reba McEntire took an iconic Elvis Presley classic and transformed it into something magical that no one could have imagined 15 years ago. Their unforgettable rendition of Blue Christmas not only honored the original but elevated it to a new level of artistry that has become a holiday masterpiece.
This amazing performance took place during the 2009 television event Andrea Bocelli & David Foster’s Christmas Special, and looking back now, it’s clear why this moment remains so cherished. It was a combination of two incredibly talented artists—Bocelli, the world’s most recognizable Italian tenor, and McEntire, the Queen of Country Music. If either artist was nervous about performing alongside the other, it didn’t show. Bocelli’s impeccable tone and range shone through, while McEntire brought the warmth and energy that has made her a household name. Together, they stood toe-to-toe during some of the most powerful moments of Blue Christmas, making their duet feel like a perfect match.
Bocelli’s operatic vocals, which he’s even passed on to his son, defy logic—they fit seamlessly alongside McEntire’s country twang, creating a harmonious blend that no one could have predicted would work so well. Their version of Blue Christmas is so transcendent that it leaves us wondering why the two didn’t record an entire album together. Can you imagine a Christmas album from these two legends? Now that would be a holiday wish come true.
The beauty of their harmonies was undeniable, and the performance was filled with many of them, creating a captivating listening experience. Fans on social media couldn’t get enough of it, with even McEntire sharing the nostalgic moment in an adorable Instagram post. “TBT… singing an Elvis classic alongside the incredible @andreabocelliofficial ❄️ #BlueChristmas,” McEntire captioned the video, reminding everyone of the magic they created together.
Originally recorded by Doye O’Dell in 1948, Blue Christmas gained widespread popularity when Elvis Presley recorded it in 1957 for his Elvis’ Christmas Album. While Presley’s version didn’t initially make a huge impact on the charts, it has since become a holiday staple. In fact, in early 2024, Blue Christmas cracked the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 nearly 70 years after its release!
As trends continue to prove, the song is still as beloved as ever. In 2022, Garden & Gun praised Blue Christmas as one of the standout tracks of Elvis’ holiday album, noting how Presley’s signature breathy drawl added a special layer of emotion to the lyrics about unrequited love. Fans continue to agree, and thanks to Bocelli and McEntire, Blue Christmas has gained an even deeper place in our hearts.
