Halle Bailey and Smokey Robinson have signed on to host NBC's 2-hour holiday special, "A Motown Christmas." The show will premiere on the broadcast network Dec. 11, and will be available to stream on Peacock Dec. 12.
The network announced on social media: "we're bringing the magic of motown to your holiday season! 🎄🎶 celebrate with motown legends and today's hottest stars in #AMotownChristmas December 11 on nbc and streaming next day on @peacock"
NBC said in a press release that "the special will include performances featuring more than 25 Motown hits, performed by Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, and the Temptations."
Bailey will perform a medley of Diana Ross' hits, while Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx will celebrate the music of Stevie Wonder alongside Bebe Winans, Jordin Sparks and Andra Day. The lineup of performers also includes Ashanti, JoJo, mgk, October London, Pentatonix, and the Broadway company of MJ the Musical, with an 11-piece live band led by Emmy-winning musical director Rickey Minor.
Jen Neal, executive vice president of live events and specials at NBCUniversal Entertainment, said in a statement: "Motown's timeless hits have played as a soundtrack for American families for the last eight decades. NBC is honored to spotlight the iconic legacy of Motown with a festive celebration for the holiday season."
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