Backstreet Boys Warm Up ‘Christmas in Rockefeller Center’ With Cozy ‘Christmas Song’ Cover

The holiday season hasn’t truly begun until the iconic Rockefeller Center tree has been lit, and NBC’s annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center telecast on Wednesday night (Dec. 4) brought together a list of all-star performers to celebrate.

The Backstreet Boys took the stage to perform a heartwarming rendition of Nat King Cole’s holiday classic “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You).” Dressed in coordinating festive suits, ranging from red and green velvet to cream suede and plaid accessories, the quintet traded lines as they harmonized throughout the performance.

Kelly Clarkson, who is returning to host the show as well as performing, kicked off the telecast with a performance of “You for Christmas,” from her 2021 holiday album When Christmas Comes Around… “This time of year can be so hard/ Searching for blessings in the dark/ If Santa has one gift to bring us/ I’ll tell him I just want you for Christmas,” she sang in the chorus, bundled up in a furry black coat.

Clarkson is joined by Today show’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker and Craig Melvin for the broadcast.

In addition to Clarkson and the Backstreet Boys, other performers who taking the stage ahead of the moment the Rockefeller Christmas tree lights up include Dan + Shay, Megan Hilty, Jennifer Hudson, Coco Jones, Little Big Town, RAYE, Thalia and, of course, the Radio City Rockettes.