Back in 2013, Kelly Clarkson brought the holidays to life with her NBC special Kelly Clarkson’s Cautionary Christmas Tale—a festive musical comedy loosely inspired by A Christmas Carol. The special featured Clarkson performing beloved holiday songs while sharing the screen with an eclectic lineup of guests, including Blake Shelton, Robin Williams, and Whoopi Goldberg.
One of the night’s most unforgettable moments came during a stunning performance of “Silent Night,” when Clarkson was joined by Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire. Performing at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Clarkson stepped onto the stage in a striking red dress, perfectly suited for the holiday spirit.
After Clarkson delivered the opening verse, the crowd erupted as Trisha Yearwood emerged to take the second verse. Her bright, unmistakable country tone blended beautifully with Clarkson’s smooth, rounded vocals, while Clarkson layered in harmonies that elevated the simplicity of the song. Throughout the performance, Clarkson repeatedly looked toward Yearwood with visible admiration—an endearing reminder that, despite her own superstar status, she still gets starstruck by artists she reveres.
The excitement surged again when Reba McEntire joined them onstage. Taking the lead on the next verse, McEntire’s warm, full, and signature twang carried the song to an even more powerful place. Clarkson and Yearwood wrapped their voices around hers, creating a rich, emotional blend.
As the performance built, the three singers drew closer together, harmonizing effortlessly. Then, the music dropped out entirely. For a brief, breathtaking moment, Clarkson, Yearwood, and McEntire sang a cappella, their voices seamlessly intertwined. They closed the song that way, with Clarkson’s powerhouse vocals shining while still perfectly balanced within the trio.
The performance ended with a group hug, Clarkson gesturing toward Yearwood and McEntire in disbelief—as if silently asking how she ended up sharing the stage with two of her heroes. McEntire has long been a guiding influence in Clarkson’s career. The two first performed together shortly after Clarkson won American Idol. A decade later, they reunited for this “Silent Night” performance. Now, another ten years on, fans still find themselves revisiting—and reliving—this magical holiday moment all over again.
