After hosting the iconic “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” special for the last two years, Kelly Clarkson will turn over the mic to country music legend and fellow “The Voice” coach Reba McEntire, who will take over hosting duties on December 3, 2025.
Clarkson said in 2024 that she was “the best person to hire for this because I love Christmas so much.” But this year, having McEntire step in may be a relief for Clarkson, who lives in New York City but has been open about wanting to prioritize time with her kids — River Rose, 11, and Remington (Remy) Alexander, 9 — especially since the death of their dad (and McEntire’s stepson) Brandon Blackstock in early August.
Reba McEntire Says She’s ‘Always Wanted’ to Host the Rockefeller Center Special
According to press materials from NBC on October 23, McEntire will host the two-hour “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” on NBC and Peacock, and she’ll also perform throughout the special.
Incredibly, McEntire told People that she’s never been to New York City in December, so she’s very excited to mark her first time in such an extravagant way.
She gushed, “To see all the Christmas decorations and to get to be a part of the tree lighting ceremony, Rockefeller Center, it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do and I’m honored that they asked me to do it.”
As for the chilly weather, McEntire said, “I’m going to triple, quadruple layer. I’ll probably have my heated vest on, and all the clothes I can, insulated underwear.”
McEntire could certainly lean on Clarkson for some tips. The two powerhouse singers have known each other for years, as peers in the music industry and because they were literally family for a while. McEntire was stepmom to Blackstock, Clarkson’s ex-husband, and had remained involved in his life, long after she and his dad, Narvel Blackstock, divorced.
Who Will Perform on ‘Christmas at Rockefeller Center’ in 2025?
NBC hasn’t officially announced who, besides McEntire, will perform music on the December 3 show. But according to ticket manager 1iota, the talent roster includes Carly Pearce, Halle Berry, and McEntire’s fellow “The Voice” coach, Michael Bublé.
In 2024, Clarkson welcomed celebs including the Backstreet Boys, Little Big Town, and Thalia.
Rockefeller Christmas Special Has Been Hosted by NBC Stars for Years
NBCClarkson and McEntire are the most recent NBC stars to have been recruited for the Rockefeller Center ceremony. Clarkson hosts her daily “The Kelly Clarkson Show” across NBC stations and will rejoin “The Voice” as a coach for season 29 in 2026. Meanwhile, McEntire is currently a coach on “The Voice” season 28 and the second season of her NBC sitcom, “Happy’s Place,” will premiere on November 7.
For many years before that, NBC’s “Today Show” team — including Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin, and Al Roker — hosted the annual tradition.
Love both these women. Kelly has an amazing voice. She can sing any genre. She seems very down to earth too. Would love to see her live.