ANN WILSON’S CHRISTMAS WITH A HEART Include Performances by Michael Bublé, Stevie Nicks, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Nettles, Chris Isaak, & Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Among Others
AXS TV will have viewers rockin’ around the Christmas tree this December, as the network presents Ann Wilson’s Christmas With A Heart, a week of unforgettable Christmas concerts featuring some of music’s biggest names, every night at 8 pm ET from Sunday, December 17th through Sunday, December 24th, followed by an all-day marathon on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25th starting at 11 am ET. The block is hosted by rock legend and Heart frontwoman Ann Wilson, who will be on hand to introduce each special and share some of her most beloved Christmas moments in exclusive interstitial content.
The Yuletide event kicks off with incomparable crooner Rod Stewart tackling some of the season’s most beloved songs including “We Three Kings,” “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!,” “Silver Bells” and more, joined by fellow chart-toppers Michael Bublé, Ella Fitzgerald, and Mary J. Blige in Rod Stewart: Merry Christmas, Baby. And stay tuned at 9 pm ET, as prog heroes Trans-Siberian Orchestra bring their signature blend of metal, classical, and Christmas to Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghost Of Christmas Eve—a visionary tale about a young runaway who embarks on a magical journey to return to her family. The film is narrated by acclaimed actor Ossie Davis, and features appearances by Jewel and Michael Crawford.
On December 18th, country songstress Faith Hill delivers a powerful set that includes “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Silent Night,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and more, backed by a 31-person orchestra, a nine-person choir, and a big band in Faith Hill—Joy To The World. Then, on December 19th, pop superstar Jessica Simpson decks the halls in her second Christmas special, belting out beloved standards such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town,” “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” with Willie Nelson, Carly Simon, and Ashlee Simpson in Jessica Simpson: Happy Christmas. And R&B legend Michael McDonald puts his soulful spin on “Christmas In The Bayou,” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “White Christmas,” and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” in Michael McDonald – This Christmas on December 20th.
The festivities continue on December 21st, as celebrated vocalist Jennifer Nettles shines in Band Against Cancer Presents Jennifer Nettles: ‘Tis The Season—an hour-long special featuring a charming blend of Christmas classics and modern favorites, including “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” “O Holy Night,” and “Merry Christmas With Love,” from her latest holiday album To Celebrate Christmas. Next, on December 22nd, roots rocker Chris Isaak presents a night of Yuletide hits and originals, headlined by unforgettable duets with Michael Bublé on “The Christmas Song,” Stevie Nicks on “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” and Brian McKnight on “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” among others, in Chris Isaak Christmas. And Grammy-winning Rockabilly icon Brian Setzer rolls into town with a sleigh full of retro Christmas cheer, armed with an impressive 19-piece orchestra and a roster of classics such as “The Nutcracker Suite,” “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch,” “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” and more in the swingin’ holiday special The Brian Setzer Orchestra: Christmas Rocks! on December 23rd.
The week comes to a close on Christmas Eve as glam metal heroes Twisted Sister put their wicked spin on Holiday favorites in Twisted Sister – A Twisted Christmas: Live in Vegas! at 6 pm ET, featuring songs from their album A Twisted Christmas and classics like “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock.” Then, at 8 pm ET, rock n’ roll icons Heart have a homecoming for the ages, returning to Seattle for a lively and festive event packed with unconventional Christmas hits such as “Santa’s Going South,” “Remember Christmas,” and “Ring Them Bells” with the help of Sammy Hagar, Shawn Colvin, Pat Monahan, and Richard Marx, in Heart & Friends: Home For The Holidays from Benaroya Hall.
As part of this special countdown to Christmas, AXS TV will also be broadcasting seven star-studded episodes of the beloved British Christmas spectacular The Royal Variety Performance, following the Christmas Concerts block every night at 9 pm ET, beginning Monday, December 18th. Each episode puts the spotlight on the top artists in music, comedy, magic, and theatre, as legendary entertainers such as Lady Gaga, Sir Elton John, Bette Midler, Sting, Ed Sheeran, Mary J. Blige, Josh Groban, and more take the stage at some of England’s most iconic venues to perform in front of members of the British Royal Family and a live audience.
