The holiday season didn’t really begin until the iconic Rockefeller Center tree was lit and NBC’s annual program aired Christmas at Rockefeller Center Wednesday night’s (December 4) telecast brought together a list of all-star artists 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 matching formal suits ranging from red and green velvet to cream suede and plaid accessories, the quintet traded lines as they harmonized throughout the performance.

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Kelly Clarkson, who returns as both host and host of the show, opened the broadcast with a performance of “You for Christmas” from her 2021 holiday album When Christmas approaches… “This time of year can be so hard. Looking for blessings in the dark. When Santa Claus wants to bring us a present. I tell him I just want you for Christmas,” she sang in the chorus, wrapped in a furry black coat.

Clarkson joins us Today Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker and Craig Melvin of the show for the broadcast.

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

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