Country music entertainer Reba McEntire is set to debut as host for the eighth annual ‘CMA Country Christmas’ event from Nashville’s famed Grand Ole Opry House on Monday, November 27th at 8/7C via the ABC Television Network. The Oklahoman replaces Jennifer Nettles, who hosted the program from 2010 through 2016. The two-hour holiday music celebration will feature performances by McEntire herself along with country music standouts Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, Trisha Yearwood, and Chris Young.
Prior to the program airing, the performers answered fun holiday-themed questions! Enjoy some of the clips below.
What’s Santa’s Real Name?
What’s in a Fruitcake?
What did Tiny Tim Say at the end of “A Christmas Carol”?
Luke Bryan joined in the holiday fanfare and revealed some of his own traditions!
“Christmas is such a special time. It reminds me of growing up in Oklahoma and singing carols with my family,” shared McEntire in a statement. “I’m just tickled to join a group of some of my best country buddies onstage to celebrate the holiday season. This is where my love of music began.”
“Reba epitomizes Country and the cheer of the holiday season,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern. “She’s also the most nominated female in CMA Awards history, so the fit couldn’t be more perfect.”
What can fans expect from this year’s festive event? Less formality for sure.
Reba told PEOPLE that she wants to set the tone for the occasion “not to be such a formal event, but just a friendly ‘sit down, let’s sing, let’s talk a little bit, and then sing another song’ – and with lots of heartfelt emotion.”
Be sure to tune in and share this with others who are looking forward to this event!
