‘Blake Shelton’s Not So Family Christmas Special’ Leaves Viewers in Stitches
From the opening moments of 'Blake Shelton's Not So Family Christmas Special' to the final credits, the popular country crooner kept viewers laughing. And there's a reason why the special wasn't entirely family-friendly -- the program had everything from Christmas carols to swear words to a fistfight.
The 60-minute holiday show was hosted by 'The Voice' coach, and it featured a star-studded lineup including Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera and more. Shelton and his guests sang special song from his holiday album 'Cheers, It's Christmas.'
The show kicked off with a funny sketch of Shelton singing 'Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire'...in an elf costume. That's right, Shelton was sporting red tights, a green robe and a felt crown. As a group of little people dressed as elves, children and turkeys filed onto the stage, the country singer kept arguing with his director about how politically incorrect the entire set was. Finally, Shelton gave up and used some -- um, colorful language -- before getting beat up the other actors.
Blessed with the ability to go from hilarious to serious with the snap of his fingers, Shelton followed up with a seasonal version of 'Let It Snow' before trying -- and failing -- to read 'The Night Before Christmas' to a group of curious kiddos. After that, the 'Honey Bee' hitmaker began introducing some of his special guests.
First, he poked fun at Clarkson for scoring so many votes on 'American Idol' to jump-start her music career. After having some laughs, Clarkson and Shelton teamed up for a gorgeous, orchestra version of 'There's a New Kid in Town,' their duet from Shelton's album.
After that, the hilarious host's most special guest found her way to the stage: Shelton's mama, Dorothy Shackleford. The mother-son duo sang 'Time for Me to Come Home.' Shelton's mother contributed the perfect background vocals for the song about going home to see your mom at Christmas.
Of course, Shelton's Christmas special wasn't all about him poking fun at his fellow country stars. That's why Aguilera came to play a fake 'The Voice' commercial in which Shelton tried to sell a duct-taped knockoff of his roller chair from the reality television show. Later, when McEntire arrived to give Shelton a special Christmas gift, he tried to pawn one of his chairs off on her.
She declined, and instead, sang 'Oklahoma Christmas' alongside him.
Although 'Blake Shelton's Not So Family Christmas Special' was full of hilarious moments, things got pretty serious when Mrs. Shelton made an appearance. The happy couple sang the song 'Home' -- which is special to them since they don't get to spend very much time together. But they work so well on stage, you wouldn't even know it!
All in all, Shelton's first NBC Christmas special was a perfect mixture of sentiment and fun... with a little bad taste. It sure put us in the Christmas spirit!