In a recent performance during her RESIDENCY: The Las Vegas Residency at Resorts World Theater, Carrie Underwood treated the audience to a special rendition of Brenda Lee’s classic holiday song, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.” The cover was a celebration of the song’s 65th anniversary and its recent chart success.
Underwood shared the memorable moment on her Facebook page, expressing her excitement about performing Lee’s Christmas classic. The caption read, “Congratulations Brenda Lee on the 65th anniversary of #RockinAroundTheChristmasTree! It was such a blast to perform your Christmas classic at my #REFLECTION show last night! #LasVegas.”
In the video clip, Underwood, adorned in a stunning purple dress, showcased her powerful vocals while her band members and a festively decorated grand piano surrounded the stage. The performance captured the festive spirit of the season, with Underwood putting her own spin on the timeless tune.
Written by Johnny Marks, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” was recorded by Brenda Lee at the young age of 13 in 1958. Despite its popularity over the years, the song recently made its chart debut, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This achievement marked the third holiday No. 1 ever on the Hot 100 chart and surpassed Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
Universal Music Group Nashville revealed the historic moment, highlighting that Brenda Lee, at 79 years old, became the oldest woman to lead the Hot 100, surpassing record-holders Cher and Mariah Carey. Lee’s accomplishment also set the record for the longest gap between an artist’s first and most recent week at No. 1 on the Hot 100.
As part of the 65th-anniversary celebrations, Brenda Lee released a first-ever music video for “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” and an EP titled “A Rockin’ Christmas with Brenda Lee.” The EP features a mix of holiday favorites and a reimagined version of the iconic song by Austrian producer and DJ Filous.
Carrie Underwood’s homage to Brenda Lee’s holiday classic adds another memorable moment to her Las Vegas Residency. The RESIDENCY: The Las Vegas Residency will resume next Spring after a successful December leg of shows. Fans can check her official schedule for upcoming residency dates.
