An Italian opera legend sharing a stage with a country music queen might sound like an unlikely pairing—but the moment they begin to sing together, any doubt disappears. Andrea Bocelli and Reba McEntire create something genuinely beautiful with their shared rendition of Elvis Presley’s classic “Blue Christmas.”
When it comes to holiday songs soaked in heartbreak, few come close to “Blue Christmas.” It has a cool, brooding sadness that sets it apart from the rest of the season’s cheer. (Sorry, George Michael—“Last Christmas” is a classic too, but it just doesn’t carry the same smoky ache that made Elvis unforgettable.) Even if your heart is perfectly intact, the song still feels effortlessly cool, like winter wrapped in velvet.
So what could possibly make it better?
How about slowing it down, stripping away the rock-and-roll edge, and turning it into a sweeping duet performed by one of the world’s most celebrated opera voices and one of country music’s most beloved stars?
That’s exactly what happens here.
Andrea Bocelli and Reba McEntire come together for a stunning reinterpretation of Elvis’s holiday classic, recorded for audiences everywhere to enjoy. The result is elegant, emotional, and completely unique.
Bocelli’s life story alone feels operatic. The Italian tenor, songwriter, and producer lost his sight at the age of 12 following a football accident and complications from glaucoma. What could have ended his dreams instead became the beginning of an extraordinary career. Over the years, Bocelli has earned countless awards and global acclaim, solidifying his place as one of the greatest modern opera singers in the world.
Before the performance begins, Bocelli offers a charming explanation for his connection to the song.
“Honestly, I was a little bit jealous of Elvis Presley,” he says with a smile. “When I was young, all my girlfriends loved Elvis Presley more than me. For this reason, I decided one day I would sing his song.”
Touché, Andrea.
Then Reba McEntire joins him onstage. A country music icon and accomplished actress, Reba has spent decades commanding both stage and screen. Her sound, audience, and musical roots couldn’t be more different from Bocelli’s—yet that contrast is exactly what makes the performance so special.
And yes, the combination works. Beautifully.
This version of “Blue Christmas” is far removed from Elvis’s original rock-infused take. Instead of drums and electric guitar, the song unfolds gently, carried by violins, orchestral swells, and even a grand harp. The arrangement leans heavily into classical elegance, making it unmistakably Bocelli’s interpretation.
His voice is warm, smooth, and almost celestial, wrapping the familiar melody in a new kind of intimacy. When Reba joins in, the magic truly takes hold. Her higher, slightly smoky country tone blends effortlessly with Bocelli’s rich tenor, creating a duet that feels both tender and powerful.
You wouldn’t expect two artists from such different musical worlds to fit together so naturally—but this performance proves they do. Andrea’s soothing operatic warmth paired with Reba’s heartfelt country soul feels comforting and emotional, like marshmallows melting into hot cocoa on a cold winter night.
Fans felt it too. One listener summed it up perfectly:
“Great orchestra. Inspiring, exceptional. Melding alto country and tenor extraordinaire. Thank you so much for posting this fantastic music.”
It’s a reminder that great music transcends genre—and sometimes, the most unexpected pairings create the most unforgettable moments.