By Ron Wynn
NASHVILLE, TN — It’s a busy fall season for vocalist Mariah Carey. Her newest book has just been released, and this week Apple TV+ announced the details of her upcoming Christmas special. It’s titled “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special.” It will debut on Dec. 4.
The show spotlights a holiday crisis at the North Pole. Only one person in this situation can save the day. That’s Santa’s great friend, Mariah Carey. The special blends musical performances, dynamic dancing and groundbreaking animation. Carey as the undisputed Queen of Christmas jumps into action to create a holiday spectacular to make the whole world merry.
The lineup includes Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, Tiffany Haddish, Billy Eichner, Snoop Dogg, Jermaine Dupri, Misty Copeland and Mykal-Michelle Harris, as well as Carey’s twins, Moroccan and Monroe. Another plus is a single and music video for a remix to “Oh Santa!.” It is co-written by and features Carey performing with Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson. It will also be released on Dec. 4. In addition, there will be a companion soundtrack for the special with brand new interpretations. That will also include Snoop Dogg and Jermaine Dupri as additional musical guests, plus a new version of “Sleigh Ride.” It will be on Apple Music Dec. 4, and all other platforms on Dec. 11.
Carey is doing other things for Apple Music as well. She will interview with Zane Lowe on Dec. 7, discussing her curated list of favorite holiday songs and new music. She’ll also be on the Apple Music Hits radio station for a six-hour special featuring the biggest festive songs while she shares her own holiday memories. Additional artists and hosts will share their Christmas messages as well.
“Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special” is executive produced by Carey, as well as Ian Stewart, Raj Kapoor and Ashley Edens for Done + Dusted. Hamish Hamilton and Roman Coppola direct, and also serve as executive producers, and the special is written by Caroline Fox