Gospel legend CeCe Winans took the stage during Tuesday night’s CMA Country Christmas to perform a spirited rendition of the holiday classic “Joy To The World.”
For the 15th year, some of music’s biggest acts gathered at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts to celebrate the holiday season with CMA Country Christmas. Among this year’s performers are the show’s hosts, Amy Grant and Trisha Yearwood, and Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, For King & Country, Jon Pardi, Brittany Spencer, and CeCe Winans.
Winans, a 15-time Grammy Award winner, brought her stunning vocals to the centuries-old Christmas hymn “Joy To The World.”
The carol was written in 1719 by hymn writer Isaac Watts, who is credited with writing many songs still included in modern-day church hymnals. “Joy to The World” is arguably his most well-known work and is a Christmas favorite around the world.
Trisha Yearwood introduced Winans, saying, “I can sum up our next performer in one word—legend. She is the best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time. To have her join us tonight is a dream come true for gospel fans, country fans, and basically music fans everywhere.”
CeCe’s gospel roots made the performance one of the most powerful of the night. Backed by a choir, Winans had the crowd singing and dancing along.
Other CMA Country Christmas performances included:
Amy Grant and Trisha Yearwood – “Sing Your Praise To The Lord” & “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.”
Amy Grant – “Tennessee Christmas”
Trisha Yearwood – Christmas Medley of Songs
Cody Johnson – “White Christmas” & “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”
For King & Country and Carin Leon – “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.”
Ashley McBryde and Brittney Spencer – “Man With The Bag”
Jon Pardi – “400 Horsepower Sleigh”
Watch CeCe Winans’ beautiful performance of “Joy To The World” in the video below.