Jennifer Hudson Recalls Magical Reunion With Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande: A Christmas Angel Surprise
Jennifer Hudson shares the heartwarming story of her unexpected reunion with the extraordinary 'Christmas angels,' Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande Discover the magical journey that unfolded, as these iconic voices came together to spread holiday cheer
(L-R) Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, and Ariana Grande take to the stage for a stunning performance at Mariah Carey’s “Merry Christmas One And All!” at Madison Square Garden on December 09, 2023 in New York City. Capture by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for MC/Getty Images
Mariah Carey treated her fans at her Merry Christmas One and All! concert in New York City to a special surprise on Saturday, December 9. Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande joined her on stage for a live performance of "Oh Santa!" The trio had previously sung the song together for Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special in December 2020. Reflecting on the reunion, Hudson shared that Carey always has big and great ideas, and this surprise was one of them.
Carey, who is now 54, first recorded the song for her 2010 album, Merry Christmas II You. In celebration of the song's tenth anniversary in 2020, Carey released a new remix featuring Hudson and Grande, both 30 years old. This updated version was the lead single from the soundtrack album for Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special.
Speaking on Tuesday, the talk show host shared, "Nobody knew we were coming. It was so enjoyable, it was like a reunion for all of us... It felt like being with family. It felt like Christmas!"
Hudson proudly showed off the pearl necklace she and Grande received from Carey while also mentioning the enthusiastic crowd response on Instagram. Additionally, Hudson shared a sneak peek of her performance with Carey and Grande, as well as Carey expressing her appreciation for their joint performance on social media.
Carey made an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show in November, where she shared that her preferred holiday song is not her own popular hit, "All I Want for Christmas Is You." "I have to say, my favorite all-time Christmas song is Nat King Cole's version of '[The] Christmas Song,'" Carey revealed to Hudson.
(L-R) Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, and Ariana Grande. Kevin Mazur/WireImage for MC/Getty Images
The five-time Grammy winner mentioned that she likes to decorate her home with a large gold-themed tree and a smaller tree inspired by A Charlie Brown Christmas. When asked about her favorite holiday movies, Carey named Elf and the original Miracle on 34th Street.
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During the holidays, Carey is highly committed to making the most of the season and has a strict rule for her home.
"I only allow Christmas music to be played when I'm celebrating Christmas," Carey told Hudson.
