Michael Bublé's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" featured on General Hospital

Michael Bublé's version of "All I Want For Christmas Is You" off of his new Christmas album was featured on today's holiday episode of General Hospital. You can watch the clip below:


Credit to ashleycramni

My Top 10 Picks for Christmas Songs

10. Last Christmas - Wham!
Heartbreak and Christmas shouldn't fit so perfectly hand-in-hand, but this song seems to be an exception. Lots have covered it, but no version compares to Wham!'s original "Last Christmas."


9. What Christmas Means To Me - Stevie Wonder
This catchy, jingle bell beat will draw you in, while these sweet lyrics will have you thinking about what Christmas means to you.


8. I Need A Silent Night - Amy Grant
This more unknown Amy Grant song is one that needs to be showcased, for it's true lyrics about needing a 'silent night' after the hectic days of Christmas shopping. This song will really get your priorities straight during the Christmas season.


7. Beautiful Christmas - Big Time Rush
All I can say here is that this song will leave you wanting to have a big time beautiful Christmas!


6. Cold December Night - Michael Buble
Off of his new Christmas album, titled Christmas, this Michael Buble original will have you bobbing your head to it's cute, Christmasy beat as Michael sings about what he wants on this cold December night.


5. The Cat and the Mouse Carol - Mormon Tabernacle Choir ft. David Archuleta
Just this year has this song become a favorite of mine. Never hearing it before now, this adorable Christmas song reflects a little cat and mouse's view of Jesus' birth. This beautiful arrangement from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and David Archuleta has brought this song to life.


4. Believe - Josh Groban
Josh Groban has a lot of Christmas hits, and though this one may not showcase his powerful voice, it holds a lot more meaning than the other classics. "Believe" from The Polar Express is an uplifting Christmas ballad that Josh prevails in, giving the song a certain holiday 'magic'.


3. All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey
This song has been one of my all time favorite Christmas songs pretty much my whole life. When I was younger I only focused on the fun, upbeat rhythm, but as I got older paid more attention to the meaningful and relatable lyrics.


2. Step Into Christmas - Elton John
This song has become one of my favorites over the last few years. With it's catchy beat and fun lyrics, it makes for a great holiday tune.


1. Melodies Of Christmas - David Archuleta
What better song for Christmas than a song about Christmas music? David Archuleta's "Melodies Of Christmas" describes the important of holiday melodies, in it's own cute, holiday melody! And for that reason, puts it at the number one spot.

Top 5 Christmas Releases This Year

Many artists have taken on Christmas classics this holiday season, but here are the Top 5 Christmas releases of this year.

1. Glad Christmas Tiding - Mormon Tabernacle Choir ft. David Archuleta

This year's Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas album is one of their best ever, featuring singer David Archuleta and lots of new arrangements on classic and unknown holiday songs. The MoTab Choir performs their beautiful rendition of "Away In The Manger" and their fun "A Christmas Roundelay," while David Archuleta sings "Los pastores a belen" in Spanish and his majestic "Gesu Bambino" with the choir. Also on the album is David Archuleta's original arrangement of "Silent Night," and he then later joins the choir for a gorgeous final song, "Angels, from the Realms of Glory." Glad Christmas Tidings is full of Christmas spirit, as you can tell everyone singing really feels the joy of the season.


2. Christmas - Michael Bublé

One of the best selling albums of the year, Michael Bublé's Christmas features a Bublé spin on classic holiday songs. Bublé lends his silky smooth voice to songs like "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," as well as one original song titled "Cold December Night." Still as he jazzes them up and makes them his own, Bublé leaves some Christmas magic in each song, making for a very enjoyable holiday album.




3. A Very She & Him Christmas - She & Him

Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward's band She & Him have a Christmas album that is very, well, she & him! A Very She & Him Christmas is full of Christmas classics turned jazz-folk pop as Zooey showcases her unique voice and M. Ward shows his guitar skills, giving this album a distinct sound, but still with plenty of Christmas spirit. These arrangements are cute and fun, just like She & Him, and make for a great Christmas album.




4. A Very GaGa Holiday - Lady Gaga

Lady GaGa is as original as they come. I mean, who else would film a Thanksgiving special? From A Very GaGa Thanksgiving, Lady GaGa released A Very GaGa Holiday EP, featuring live performances from the special. Included is a cover of Nat King Cole's "Orange Colored Sky," as well as her songs "You And I" and "The Edge of Glory." But the highlight of this EP is her version of the Christmas classic "White Christmas." Lady GaGa jazzed it up and even added her own original verse to the song, saying that the song is beautiful, but too short. I'm dreaming of a white snowman, With a carrot nose and charcoal eyes, she sings. After hearing this, I'm dreaming of another GaGa holiday!


5. "God Bless Us Everyone" - Melinda Doolittle

Melinda Doolittle released her first holiday single this year titled "God Bless Us Everyone." There's been a lot of Christmas single releases this year, but Melinda's is definitely one of the best, as it describes the simple joys of the season. Melinda showcases her powerful voice in this holiday ballad, with it's magical melodies and heartwarming lyrics. This song gives you just one think to think about, God bless us everyone.

Album Review: Dapo & Friends Christmas

Producer Dapo Torimiro has worked with numerous artists like David Archuleta, Stacy Barthe and Nikki Flores, to name a few. Now Dapo has gathered together all of them and more for his first Christmas release, Dapo & Friends Christmas. Putting spins on classic holiday tunes, this album features a collection of different voices with different arrangements as the artists make these Christmas songs their own. Max Schneider's more pop fusion feel on "Jingle Bells" and Stacy Barthe's soulful version of "Sleigh Ride" give the album a fun vibe, while songs like Gaby Ramirez's jazzy "Blue Christmas" and Nikki Flores' R&B "The Christmas Song" take it down a notch and bring a calmer feel to the album. Scotty Granger's R&B take on "All I Want For Christmas (Is You)" and TC's impassioned "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" ballad add another sense of calmness, as well as emotion to the album.

But the highlight of the album is, without a doubt, David Archuleta's "Little Drummer Boy." A song David kills live on his My Kind of Christmas Tour, with the rock rhythm as David gives it his all for the encore, though this version is a little different. This more R&B ballad showcases David's deeper register, with the soft drumming arrangement in the background, and isn't anything more or less than what the song should be.

This 10-song release makes for a different Christmas album, being more original than classic, but definitely doesn't disappoint. One thing this album is not, is boring. These arrangements will leave you wanting more, and the artists' voices are genuine and unique. You can download the album HERE.

David Archuleta performs on Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas special

Last December, David Archuleta performed Christmas concerts with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. This year, the performances have been released on CD and DVD titled Glad Christmas Tidings, and last night the special aired on PBS. The Glad Christmas Tidings special will run on PBS from now through Christmas, so be sure to check your local listings!

Watch David perform "Joy To The World" from the special below:


Credit to piratesrock06

You can read my review of Glad Christmas Tidings HERE. And to know which one word David would describe getting to perform with the MoTab Choir, you can find out in my interview with David HERE.

Song Review: Jordin Sparks - Angels Are Singing

From the new ABC Family movie 12 Dates of Christmas, Jordin Sparks has lent her voice to a new holiday hit. "Angels Are Singing" is a cute, pop Christmas song that takes you through the "12 days of Christmas," then goes into a catchy chorus. The angels are singing, The snow if falling all around, The bells are ringing, Can you hear it?, Jordin sings to an enjoyable beat, the chiming of Christmas bells included!

Perfect for the movie and perfect for the holiday season, this song is full of Christmas spirit and is sure to be a hit!

Interview with David Archuleta

David Archuleta is making this Christmas his kind of Christmas, with his My Kind of Christmas Tour and the release of his new Glad Christmas Tidings album with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Among a busy tour schedule, David was awesome enough to take some time to answer this little Q&A about the holidays and how he stays in the Christmas spirit while on tour.

What's been your favorite song to perform on your My Kind of Christmas Tour so far?
I like a lot, but lately I've liked "The First Noel."

How is this tour different from your last Christmas tour?
I've added new Christmas songs to the mix. Trying to have a little more fun this time.

How do you stay in the Christmas spirit while on tour?
It naturally just comes with the time of year for me. All the lights and Christmas music.

Besides the Christmas tour, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Glad Christmas Tidings CD/DVD you performed on is out this year. If you could describe that experience in one word, what would it be?
Unforgettable.

What are your plans for Christmas this year?
Hopefully spending time with my family.


Big thanks to David for doing this, and good luck on the rest of the tour! 

Song Review: David Archuleta - Fa La La La La

One of the many surprises on David Archuleta's My Kind of Christmas tour this year is David's performance of his brand new, never-before-heard holiday tune "Fa La La La La." David describes the song as his way of introducing everyone to his Christmas tradition, with his Latino heritage and partying vibe.

About joining family and friends for the holidays and having a good time, David shows everyone his kind of Christmas when performing this song, even doing some Bachata dancing. "You smile, I light up like a Christmas tree, You laugh, my heart flies like the snow," David sings cheerfully before going into a Spanish chorus repeating 'Feliz Navidad,' wishing it to his family and friends and saying they're a gift to him. David sings the song in half English and half Spanish, showing his Latin side and putting on a fun
                                                                                      performance for the audience.

Watch David perform the song below, and read my full review of his Christmas show in NYC HERE.


Credit to fa3ryg1rl1

Concert Review: David Archuleta - My Kind of Christmas

There is nothing like David Archuleta's kind of Christmas! After experiencing David's Christmas show Friday night at the Irving Plaza in NYC, all I can say is WOW. Pops songs, Christmas songs, old songs, new songs and even some poetry, performing in English, Spanish, Latin and French... what a show!!

David started the show with a fun, upbeat "Sleigh Ride" that got the crowd pumped and in the holiday spirit. David's first set held a mix of pop and Christmas songs, both classic and original works. His take on holiday tunes like "This Christmas" and "The Christmas Song" were marvelous, one person even saying he sang it better than Nat King Cole himself. As for the pop songs, not only did David sing his new single "Wait," but he also sang a stunning version of the song "Climb Every Mountain," singing it in honor of children and the charity ChildFund he's sponsoring while on tour. David performed the song better than ever, hitting some unbelievable notes and showing his passion for the lyrics.

When David came back out for his second set, he was dressed in a festive, black jacket and scarf, and was strictly in Christmas mode, singing songs like "Pat-a-pan" in French and "Riu Riu Chiu" in Spanish. But that wasn't the only Spanish song of the night when David called kids onto the stage to read them his adorable "My Kind of Christmas" poem and then have a "party" on stage as he sang his new, original song "Fa La La La La." David explained that he was going to introduce everyone to some of his holiday tradition, singing this half English/half Spanish holiday tune as he played maracas and danced some Bachata! That song definitely showcased David's kind of Christmas and was one of the highlights of the night. Toward the end of his set, David took it down with slower ballads like a cover of Amy Grant's "I Need A Silent Night," as well "O Holy Night" and "Silent Night," two songs that David has perfected in the past and didn't cease to amaze once again.

Ending with "Silent Night," it didn't take long after he left the stage for the crowd to start chanting his name, and finally David came back out for one more song, "Little Drummer Boy." This last performance would have gotten a standing ovation if it wasn't already a standing room! Between David's smooth voice and the rock tempo added into the song, this performance was already great, but that was before the ending. David turned around toward the drums, picked up some sticks, then ran back to the mic, raising his sticks in the air and hitting another amazing note before running back to the bass drum and banging on it. This drummer boy left the crowd cheering and me speechless as I couldn't help but think of how far he has come and how much confidence he's gained with his performances.

With a variety of music for everyone, lots of surprises and Christmas spirit throughout the concert, that was by far one of the best shows I've ever seen.

One final thing, the opening act Jeff LeBlanc was awesome! Really laid back, enjoyable songs, and Jeff really knows how to connect with his audience and give them a unique show. You can read my interview with Jeff HERE.

Song Review: Syesha Mercado - Christmas Melody

Oh, how I've missed that beautiful voice! American Idol Season 7 star Syesha Mercado is back with a gorgeous Christmas melody! The new song "Christmas Melody" is a captivating yet elegant holiday ballad about the memories of a past love staying in your head like the joyful tunes of the season. Syesha's voice soars in its many ranges as she sings this beautiful new song.

This happens to be the first original song to be released by Syesha since American Idol, and it definitely does not disappoint. Syesha has always been a forced to be reckoned with, and this song is just another example.

David Archuleta will be having his kind of Christmas

David Archuleta heads out on his My Kind of Christmas Tour this Thursday in New York until December 21 in Beaver Creek, CO. While fans can expect old and new pop and Christmas songs, USA Today reports that David will be singing one special song this December:

"The tour got its name from a fan's suggestion, playing off My Kind of Perfect, a track from David's album The Other Side of Down. But once David had the name, he and a friend decided to write a new song using the title, and he'll be singing My Kind of Christmas at the shows."

David goes on to explain, "It was just spur of the moment, but I ended up really liking how it turned out, explaining what Christmas means to me. What is my kind of Christmas? That's what we describe. It'll be exciting to share an original Christmas song with the fans."

Looking forward to hearing the new holiday tune, along with many more Christmas classics throughout the tour!

Check out Melinda Doolittle's music video for "God Bless Us Everyone"

Melinda Doolittle went for a more personal feel for her music video for her holiday single "God Bless Us Everyone." The video shows pictures of her, along with her fans, at Christmas. Watch the video below:

Check out Haley Reinhart and Casey Abrams' new music video!

Tonight, Yahoo Music premiered American Idol Season 10's Haley Reinhart and and Casey Abrams' new music video for their holiday duet "Baby, It's Cold" Outside." Check it out below!

American Idol's Haley Reinhart & Casey Abrams to release Christmas duet!

American Idol Season 10 finalists Haley Reinhart and Casey Abrams will be releasing a holiday duet this Christmas season. The two will sing a jazzed up "Baby, It's Cold Outside."

The song will be available on November 21st, and the pair have also recently shot a music video for the new song!

Again I say, November 21st will definitely be a big day in the music world. Not only will this new duet be released, but so will Haley and Casey's fellow Idol pal James Durbin's debut album Memories Of A Beautful Disaster, as well as Daughtry's new album Break The Spell and Big Time Rush's new album Elevate.

Album Review: She & Him - A Very She & Him Christmas

Am I the last one to know that New Girl star Zooey Deschanel has a band? Upon hearing this, I just had to check it out, and saw that her band, She & Him, has a holiday release this year! A Very She & Him Christmas is full of the more jazz-pop Christmas classics like "The Christmas Waltz" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas," making for a cheery and charming Christmas album. Zooey's unique voice perfects each of these holiday tunes while M. Ward's guitar playing adds an enjoyable folk vibe to it and gives the album a raw feel. Also included is the original "Christmas Day," a cute, folk holiday tune about, well, Christmas day!

In my opinion, the album's strong point is "Baby, It's Cold Outside." The cute and classy duet fits their voices perfectly and the whistling in the bridge adds to this already great song.

In sum, A Very She & Him Christmas showcases She & Him's take on popular Christmas songs in this delightful album that you should be sure to add to your Christmas playlist.

Michael Bublé loves Christmas!

After just releasing his new Christmas album, Christmas, check out Michael Bublé's Christmas trailer! Watch him sing, play in the snow and talk about his love for the holiday. Can YOU hear him smiling in these songs?


Credit to MichaelBubleTV

Song Review: Melinda Doolittle - God Bless Us Everyone

American Idol Season Six's 2nd runner-up Melinda Doolittle has released her first Christmas song, "God Bless Us Everyone." This delightful holiday tune gets you right in the Christmas spirit as Melinda lists the joys of the season. Melinda's powerful voice shines throughout this heartwarming holiday ballad that has one important message, God bless us everyone. From the magical melody in the beginning to the classic "jingle all the way" guitar strum at the end, in my opinion, this song has the potential to become a hit this Christmas.

This song is available now on iTunes!

Album Review: Michael Bublé - Christmas

Christmas is coming early this year for Michael Bublé! The jazz-pop singer lent his voice to numerous holiday classics on his new album, Christmas, out today. This album features Christmas and holiday favorites with their own Bublé twist! Michael's take on these Christmas songs is intriguing yet delightful as his lovely voice is defined throughout this album. Some of the songs like "Holly Jolly Christmas" and "Blue Christmas" showcase Michael at his best, while other songs like his slower version of Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" show Michael's fun and daring side. The album also features Bublé's original song "Cold December Night", a cute, pop song about Michael wanting a girl to fall in love with him for Christmas. This album is full of Christmas spirit in these joyful holiday tunes. I think it'll be a very Bublé Christmas!

Syesha Mercado to release a Christmas song

Syesha will be releasing a Christmas song this holiday season, and was in New York today recording it!

Syesha, David Archuleta's Glad Christmas Tidings, Michael Buble's Christmas next week... so much great Christmas music this year!

Blast from the past: David Archuleta - Christmas From The Heart

It's safe to say that Christmas music comes early for David Archuleta, considering he's preparing to head out on his second Christmas tour and promote the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Glad Christmas Tidings CD he performs on, and today celebrates the 2 year anniversary of his Christmas album Christmas From The Heart.

Christmas From The Heart was released on October 13, 2009, selling 17,000 copies in it's first week. Filled with traditional holiday classics and joyful hymns, this album definitely shows off David's vocal prowess, as well as the apparent majestic tone in his voice as he belts out these Christmas tunes. You can just tell how much these songs mean to him, especially "Melodies of Christmas", the song David helped pen about how Christmas music is so important to the holidays.


Christmas From The Heart debuted at #30 on the Billboard 200 and #2 in Holiday Albums, behind Bob Dylan's Christmas In The Heart. Archuleta also paired up with singing sensation Charice on the classic "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".