"We got this song sent to us at the last minute, when we were almost wrapped up with the Christmas album. "The music world is actually a pretty small world, and everybody knows what everybody else is doing," she says. Legend co-wrote it with hit songwriter Toby Gad - the same combination that made his smash "All of Me" - and sent it Underwood's way. Underwood's duet with John Legend, "Hallelujah," is a highlight of both "My Gift" projects. But it's the secular exception among "Away in a Manger," "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" and her new original, "Sweet Baby Jesus." The special opens with "Favorite Time of Year," a swinging, sugary piece of holiday pop that's a celebration of lights, trees and tinsel. 'We celebrate Jesus for Christmas. That's what I know.' But people that I work with are like, 'He really has great pitch.' Maybe he'll want to do something with it. Because I'm his mom, I think anything he does is going to be great.
He wanted to get all gussied up because he said, ‘I'm singing for Jesus today.’ So he wore a little fedora and some jeans and a button-up shirt. When he came in that day, he dressed himself up. We practiced a little bit, but I didn't want to overdo it and make it (feel like) work. "I just asked him, ‘How do you feel about that? Do you want to do it with me? If not, just say no, it's OK.’ And he was super excited. And he has such a great mind for lyrics, which is totally me. He's always particular about what he wants to listen to in the car. "It wasn't a part of the original plan to put him in that song," Underwood says. "But the more it started to come together, I could just see his little face when I sang it. If you're a fan of Underwood's duet with Isaiah on the album, we have great news: You'll get to see him record his parts on the "My Gift" special, with Underwood standing right beside him in the vocal booth, acting both as a proud mom and passionate conductor. It was a blessing in a trying year." Singing with her son I'm a faithful person and to get to sing these songs, it just put me in a place of joy and peace and hope. "I planned this album long before this year smacked us all in the face, and I'm so glad I did," she says. It also features not one, but two high-profile cameos. John Legend lends his voice on his co-written "Hallelujah," and Underwood's 5-year-old son Isaiah makes his debut on "Little Drummer Boy."Īhead of the special's premiere, Underwood called to tell us all about those duet partners, her vision to "celebrate Jesus for Christmas," and why making "My Gift" was a saving grace in 2020. More: Carrie Underwood has found work-life balance and says she's 'living the dream' Like her new Christmas album of the same name, "My Gift" leans heavily on the spiritual side of the season, with "Silent Night" and "Mary, Did You Know?" among its reverent slate of songs. Surrounded by her band and an orchestra on a lavishly decorated stage, the 37-year-old delivers a show that's "all about the music," in her own words. Last time I wasnt sure.View Gallery: Carrie Underwood performs at CMA Fest 2019 at Nissan StadiumĢ020 has been a year that many of us spent in "pods" and "bubbles." Carrie Underwood spent part of hers in a snow globe.Īt least, that's what the country star said it felt like when she filmed her new streaming Christmas special, "My Gift," which premieres Thursday on HBO Max. I hit the bar every night looking to score a good time Its not like I planned it Left empty handed Cause Im still alone in my mind Now what will it take to feel right Can i come see you tonight Is there someone new now What can i do now Cause i need you back by my side This time I want it all This time I want it all Showing you all the cards Giving you all my heart This time Ill take the chance This time Ill be your man I can be all you need This time its all of me Run into you yesterday Memories rushed through my brain Its starting to hit me Now you're not with me I realize I made a mistake I thought that I needed some space But i just let love go to waste Its so crystal clear now That I need you here now I gotta get you back today