This year’s CMA Country Christmas was packed full of unforgettable performances. Some of today’s biggest stars joined country legends such as Loretta Lynn for a series of country-fried Christmas covers.
To close out the show, host Jennifer Nettles and the one and only Trisha Yearwood joined forces on the fun Christmas tune “The Man with the Bag.” Earlier in the night, the duo joined Lynn for an outstanding performance of Lynn’s original Christmas song, “Country Christmas.”
With “snow” falling all around them, Yearwood and Nettles put their powerful voices to work on “The Man with the Bag.” Yearwood dazzled in her sharp black ensemble with a sparkly top, which reminded us of tinsel on a Christmas tree. Nettles also looked stunning in her outfit, which was a Christmas-green dress complete with a long, flowing cape.
Yearwood opened up the duo’s performance, singing the first few lines of the fun-lovin’ tune. Then Nettles joined in, and motioned to the side of the stage to welcome a special guest. That special guest turned out to be none other than “The Man with the Bag” himself…Santa Claus!
Santa bowed to Yearwood and Nettles before he made his way out into the audience to spread some Christmas cheer. As Santa walked through the aisles and shook people’s hands, everyone was smiling from ear to ear.
Yearwood and Nettles were also full of joy as they continued to sing “The Man With the Bag” while Santa walked through the crowd. They could be seen laughing with one another many times, proving just how much fun they were having together on stage. We couldn’t think of a better way to end such a magical show!
“The Man with the Bag” was one of the songs featured on Yearwood’s Christmas album with her husband, Garth Brooks, called Christmas Together. The album also featured the couple’s takes on other Christmas classics, including “Santa Baby” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”
Christmas Together was released on November 11, and it’s already a big hit with country fans. The album topped the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and climbed to the seventh spot on the Billboard 200.
Nettles also released a Christmas album this year, called To Celebrate Christmas. Although Nettles didn’t sing “The Man with the Bag,” she did deliver her renditions of other Christmas favorites such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “O Holy Night.” Her album was also a hit, and peaked at the 17th spot on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
It’s clear from Yearwood and Nettles’ performance of “The Man with the Bag” that they are experts at singing Christmas songs! Tune in below to watch their charming duet from the CMA Country Christmas special.