Smokey Robinson, Halle Bailey and other stars will bring the sounds of soul music to television for the holidays on A Motown Christmas.
NBC announced details on the two-hour special Thursday, saying it will air on the network in December.
The broadcast will feature Motown hitmakers from the past alongside contemporary artists.
Motown Legends Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, and the Temptations will perform holiday favorites and Hitsville U.S.A. classics.
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Other artists taking the stage include Ashanti, Andra Day, BeBe Winans, Jamie Foxx, JoJo, Jordin Sparks, mgk, October London, Pentatonix, and the cast of Broadway’s “MJ the Musical.”
Halle Bailey will perform a medley of songs celebrating Diana Ross and the Supremes.
Jamie Foxx will lead a celebration of Stevie Wonder’s greatest hits alongside BeBe Winans, Jordin Sparks and Andra Day.
October London and JoJo will honor the late Marvin Gaye and mgk will sing a new rendition of “Last Christmas.”
Andra Day will also perform a tribute to Motown founder Berry Gordy, and an 11-piece live band will be led by Emmy Award-winning musical director Rickey Minor.
Debbie Allen and Suzanne de Passe, former president of Motown Productions, are the special’s executive producers.
“I’m delighted to join Debbie Allen, SpringHill and NBC to bring Motown music, great artists and warm, family feelings together in a grand celebration of Christmas,” de Passe said.
“I’m thrilled to be back in the saddle with Motown and Suzanne de Passe to bring to the world this much-needed holiday family special,” Allen added. “The music of Motown has always been magical, and we are going to sing and dance everyone into Christmas joy!”
SpringHill Company will handle production, with LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson and Philip Byron co-executive producing.
Additional executive producers are Joe Braswell, Steve Barry, and Courtney Whitaker. Executive producers for Motown Records/Universal Music Group include Steve Berman and Bruce Resnikoff. The special will be directed by Leon Knoles.
A Motown Christmas airs Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and streams on Peacock the next day.
