Legendary artist, producer and songwriter Smokey Robinson is teaming up with actor and singer Halle Bailey to co-host a tribute to one of the most iconic and influential record labels: Motown.
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, the duo will lead NBC’s star-studded “A Motown Christmas” special, an evening celebrating the music and artists that helped make Berry Gordy and Quincy Jones’ label a cultural and global phenomenon of lasting significance.
The two-hour special will feature artists like Robinson, Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, and The Temptations performing their Motown hits. Bailey, Ashanti, Andra Day, Jamie Foxx, Jordin Sparks, Machine Gun Kelly and more stars will also pay tribute to the label by delivering their renditions of beloved Motown songs. Plus, all the musicians will croon along to a few holiday earworms, too.
In addition to all the stars who will take the stage, NBC’s “A Motown Christmas” will include a performance from the Broadway company of “MJ the Musical.”
Here’s what to know about the special, including how to watch.
When is NBC’s ‘A Motown Christmas’ special?
“A Motown Christmas” special will arrive on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Where can I watch ‘A Motown Christmas’ special?
The holiday event will air on NBC. It will also be available to stream the following day on Peacock.
What else should I expect from ‘A Motown Christmas’?
Fans will be treated to a few holiday tunes, like “Last Christmas,” as well as Motown classics, such as “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Superstition” and “My Girl,” from artists like Robinson, Bailey, Gladys Knight, Jamie Foxx and Jojo.
Ahead of the special, TODAY.com has an exclusive video of what viewers can expect.
The festive first look begins with a glimpse of Bailey channeling Diana Ross as she sings “Stop! In the Name of Love” by The Supremes before she and Robinson explain why music fans should tune in.
“You can expect some good music and some fun,” Robinson says. “And some Christmas celebration!”
Robinson and Bailey are set to open the show with a duet of “Winter Wonderland.”
Bailey adds that being a part of the special is “a dream come true” for her before she gestures to Robinson and gushes he is a “legend.”
Although the concert is a tribute to Motown, Robinson said the night will highlight multiple genres, like jazz, rock and gospel.
Speaking about the impact of Motown, Bailey says, “The most special thing about Motown was the fact that the songs — they live on forever and ever.”