Jo Dee Messina Joins Lighting of Rockefeller Center Tree

Jo Dee Messina is living out a dream tonight when she performs on NBC's 12th annual 'Christmas in Rockefeller Center.' The singer says she has always watched the holiday TV special. "It has been a dream of mine to perform here," she told The Boot. "I have the excitement of a child being here. During rehearsal, I just kept looking around and was amazed that I was actually able to be part of it this year."

Joe Dee will perform 'Let It Snow' and 'Sleigh Ride,' joining Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, Michael Buble, The Roots and The Radio City Rockettes for the festive special.

Jo Dee and her husand, Chris Deffenbaugh, have their son, Noah Roger, with them in New York City for the first time. The ten-month old will get to enjoy the lights and sounds of the Big Apple, making his first Christmas a very special one. The country star also hopes to do a little damage to her credit card while in New York. "My husband and I are going to try and get out for some holiday shopping; hopefuly we can squeeze it in while we are here."

'Christmas in Rockefeller Center' will be co-hosted by Jane Krakowski from '30 Rock' and Zachary Levi from 'Chuck,' and will celebrate the 77th annual tree lighting of the tree at Rockefeller Plaza. This year's tree, an 80-foot Norway Spruce that weighs 10 tons, was found in Easton, Conn., some 50 miles away. It will be on display through Jan. 7.

NBC's 'Christmas in Rockefeller Center' will broadcast live tonight (Dec. 2) at 8:00 PM ET.