It’s no easy task to reimagine an Elvis Presley classic, but Andrea Bocelli and Reba McEntire accomplished just that, delivering a performance that’s still unforgettable. Back in 2009, during Andrea Bocelli & David Foster’s Christmas Special, the two joined forces for a stunning rendition of “Blue Christmas.”

Their collaboration brought fresh emotion and elegance to the beloved holiday tune, leaving a lasting impression. More than 15 years later, this magical moment remains a perfect piece of holiday nostalgia worth revisiting.

ADVERTISEMENT

If Andrea Bocelli and Reba McEntire felt any nerves performing together, they certainly didn’t show it. Bocelli’s flawless tenor voice, which has made him an international icon, blended seamlessly with McEntire’s warm, signature country sound.

It’s a pairing that might seem unlikely at first, yet their rendition of “Blue Christmas” is nothing short of magical. Bocelli’s rich operatic tones and McEntire’s heartfelt twang create a duet that’s both unexpected and unforgettable. After hearing this incredible collaboration, it’s hard not to wish for a full album from these two music legends.

Originally recorded by Doye O’Dell in 1948, “Blue Christmas” found new life when Elvis Presley included his version on the 1957 Elvis’ Christmas Album. While the title of the album may have been straightforward, Presley’s rendition of the holiday classic was anything but ordinary.

Surprisingly, the song didn’t gain much traction on the charts during Elvis’s lifetime. However, it has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, climbing into the Billboard Hot 100’s top 20 in early 2024—nearly seven decades after its release. Truly, some classics only grow stronger with time.