Jennifer Nettles in Sparkled Tux

Fans of CMA’s “Country Christmas concert” can pencil in the date for Monday, 1 December at 8/7 Central on ABC. The show that has crept into the hearts of country music lovers keeps getting better, in addition to raising awareness for their toy-drive, which is focused towards brightening up Christmas for children in the Nashville area. Jennifer Nettles has taken the position of the host for the fifth time and she will be joined by a string of country greats. Twitter is already flaring with exciting messages and these include some sent by the performers themselves. Everyone is invited to enjoy this fun and magnificent celebration of music, love and peace.

Where the Magic takes Place

Carrie Underwood

The Bridgestone Arena is where the taping of the show took place. Tickets were sold for the 7th of November and everything played out in front of a live studio audience. As part of the taping, visitors were encouraged to bring along unwrapped toys, which were received by a group of volunteers from the Nashville based non-profit organization called “Generosity”. This will be the third year that the concert collects toys for children situated in the Nashville area. Last year they managed to collect 5,000.

Who can Fans expect to see?

Even if you may have missed the live version of the concert, you will still have a great time watching the televised edition. Apart from the charismatic Jennifer Nettles, you can expect to see: Alan Jackson, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Sara Evens, Lucy Hale, Hunter Hays, Little Big Town, Idina Menzel, Brad Paisley, Leann Rimes, Michael W. Smith, Steven Tyler, Carrie Underwood

For two hours fans can enjoy the musical talents from their favorite artists. Viewers will also be treated to some personal time when the artists share their special Christmas memories. The celebration also includes classic Christmas songs and beautiful duets.

Highlights

Jennifer Nettles in Christmas Red Satin

Unfortunately it’s not a simple process to set aside the highlights of the concert. Even Jennifer Nettles has a difficult time expressing her favorite sections of the concert, simply because every second is a pleasure. She was quoted saying “It is hard to pick one thing I love about it. There are so many fun moments. Whether it is the performances or duets, getting to perform Christmas songs with great artists is really fun for me. It’s really a fun show all around.”

The Toy-Drive

According to CMA Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Trahern, the concert helps to jump-start the holiday season and it has become a tradition for several Nashville families. The toy-drive is a critical part of the concert because firstly, it places focus on a very important issue, namely less fortunate children. Secondly, it represents the generous values of the people of Nashville, the artists who participate and the industry that makes it possible.

Since the start of CMA’s “Country Christmas Concert” it has seen great success and it grows more special every year. So if you want to get your dose of the holiday spirit then make sure you tune in on the 1st of December and enjoy the unique combination of Country and Christmas.

Brad Paisley & Steven Tyler

Alan Jackson

Brad Paisley, Steven Tyler & Jennifer Nettles

Brad Paisley & Steven Tyler getting down.

Brett Eldredge

Carrie Underwood and Michael W. Smith

Clare Bowen

Hunter Hayes

Idina Menzel

Jennifer Nettles belting one out with Idina Menzel

Lee Ann Rimes

Little Big Town

Lucy Hale

Sara Evans

Steven Tyler gets Jennifer Nettles under the Mistletoe

http://youtu.be/dv9i0e5OLlo

Check out Last Year’s CMA Christmas Concert (FULL SHOW)