CMA Country Christmas

On Dec. 8, 1980, John Lennon was killed outside of his New York City apartment. Thirty-five years later, the world is still a frightening, hate-filled place -- which makes the message of his Christmas song, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" as appropriate now as it was when it was released in 1972. LeAnn Rimes more than did the tune justice when she performed it as part of Thursday night's (Dec. 3) CMA Country Christmas event.

Three of country music's rising stars took center stage during Thursday night's (Dec. 3) CMA Country Christmas TV special: Kelsea Ballerini performed a sweet rendition of a Christmas classic, while Mickey Guyton sang a Frozen favorite, and Dan + Shay harmonized on a seasonal hymn.

Martina McBride took the stage twice during Thursday night's (Dec. 3) CMA Country Christmas TV special, thrilling the crowd both times with her powerhouse vocals.

Jennifer Nettles is always one busy lady during the CMA Country Christmas event. Not only did she host Thursday night's (Dec. 3) festive TV special, she also performed four separate times throughout the two-hour show.

The 2015 CMA Country Christmas TV special, which aired on Thursday night (Dec. 3), included 20 performances of both Christmas classics and newer tunes.

Country music's annual Christmas celebration, the 2015 CMA Country Christmas TV special, aired on Thursday night (Dec. 3), bringing holiday cheer to country music fans with fun performances and unique collaborations.

As part of the 2015 CMA Country Christmas TV special on Thursday night (Dec. 3), Brett Eldredge and Thomas Rhett gave a former St. Jude patient a special holiday surprise.

Although Christmas is still a few weeks away, the holidays came to Nashville on Saturday (Nov. 7) for the taping of the 2015 CMA Country Christmas special.

Christmas is coming soon ... at least, it is for country music fans. The Country Music Association has announced an air date for the 2015 CMA Country Christmas special, and revealed that Jennifer Nettles will be back as the show's host.

In her CMA Country Christmas debut, Carrie Underwood took the stage with legendary Christian recording artist Michael W. Smith for a beautiful performance of 'All Is Well,' off Smith's Christmas record 'The Spirit of Christmas.'