Mariah Carey Joins Magical Holiday & Christmas Celebrations Specials
The bestselling female artist of all time, with more than 220 million records sold and eighteen #1 singles – the most for any solo artist in history – Mariah Carey is a luminous and enduring talent who has enthralled audiences for a quarter-century. Known for her distinct five-octave vocal range, she is equally distinguished as a songwriter, penning all but one of her #1 singles, including “Fantasy,” “Always Be My Baby,” “Hero,” “Touch My Body,” “One Sweet Day” and “We Belong Together,” more than any other solo artist.As a singer, songwriter and producer, Carey has been recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, 21 American Music Awards, 14 Billboard Music Awards and BMI’s coveted Icon Award, among myriad others, and was named Billboard’s Artist of the Decade and the World Music Awards’ World’s Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium. Beyond industry honors, her popularity is evident across social media, with 21 million Facebook fans and 16 million Twitter followers.
Disney kicks off the holidays with three musical specials originating from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. The shows will be presented on Disney|ABC Television Group platforms, including ABC Television Network, Disney Channel, the ABC and Disney Channel apps and VOD, among other branded digital platforms. The holiday specials will include performances by some of the world’s most popular recording artists, celebrity hosts, Disney character appearances and heartwarming wish-come-true moments for three lucky families from across the country.
Previously announced performers include Boyz II Men, Garth Brooks, Alessia Cara, Kelly Clarkson, Gavin DeGraw, Jordan Fisher, Flo Rida, JoJo, OneRepublic and Trisha Yearwood.
The holiday specials are a collaboration by Disney Parks, Disney|ABC Television Group and IMG.
The multi-platform programming schedule is:
THANKSGIVING – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24
“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on the ABC Television Network (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST) and on the ABC app. Join Emmy Award-winners Julianne and Derek Hough as they host the magical two-hour special from the Walt Disney World Resort. They join “Descendants 2” star Sofia Carson to kick off the holiday season in a way only Disney can, showcasing extraordinary music performances, special appearances and some unforgettable Disney magic moments.
Musical performances include:
- Boyz II Men, joined by JoJo, will sing a holiday favorite from the steps of Cinderella Castle.
- Alessia Cara will sing “How Far I’ll Go” from Disney’s animated feature film, “Moana” (in theaters November 23) for the very first time on broadcast television.
- Mariah Carey performs “All I Want for Christmas Is You” from the Disneyland Resort.
- Kelly Clarkson will perform “Underneath the Tree” and “Stronger.”
- JoJo sings a holiday classic from a stunning location at Walt Disney World.
- Flo Rida performs two of his smash hits.
- From Disney’s Hollywood Studios, OneRepublic performs a hit song.
- Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks will perform “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Ugly Christmas Sweater” and “Marshmallow World,” all from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).
CHRISTMAS – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25
“The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” will air on the ABC Television Network (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST; airtimes vary, check listings) and on the ABC and Disney Channel apps. This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrate the joy of the holiday season, as hosts Julianne and Derek Hough take viewers on a magical ride down Main Street and beyond. The Christmas Day celebration will be bigger and brighter than ever before, bringing together the beloved Christmas day parade, magical musical performances, surprise celebrity guests and heart-warming family stories to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Musical performances include:
- Alessia Cara will perform a holiday favorite.
- Mariah Carey performs “All I Want for Christmas is You” from the Disneyland Resort.
- Sofia Carson performs “Silent Night,” featuring an alternate musical arrangement from her performance on Disney Channel and also hosts from backstage.
- Kelly Clarkson performs “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
- In front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World, Gavin DeGraw sings a Christmas classic.
- “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” will be performed by Jordan Fisher, who will also make his Broadway debut in “Hamilton,” on November 22.
- OneRepublic performs from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- Solo and duet performances by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).