Chevel Shepherd, Colton Dixon Set for White House Christmas Lighting

THE VOICE -- "Live Finale Results" Episode 1519B -- Pictured: Chevel Shepherd -- (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

The 97th National Christmas Tree Lighting will again rely on singing show talent for its official lineup. Presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, this American tradition takes place on the Ellipse in President’s Park (White House) on Dec. 5.

This year, country music star Jessie James Decker will host and perform at the national park-inspired holiday event. Additional performers will include country singer and winner of The Voice Chevel Shepherd, pop artist and American Idol finalist Colton Dixon, The United States Air Force’s premier rock band Max Impact, country music artist and The Voice finalist Spensha Baker, the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus, the West Tennessee Youth Chorus, and “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. 

Thanks to a partnership with the National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, Ovation and REELZ will broadcast the 2019 National Christmas Tree Lighting on Monday, Dec. 9. Viewers can tune in to watch the broadcast at 8 p.m. ET on REELZ and 9 p.m. ET on Ovation. 

First celebrated in 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge, the ceremony today inspires visitors and viewers from around the globe to #FindYourPark/#EncuentraTuParque during the holiday season.

Last month, the National Park Service planted a new National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse in President’s Park. The new tree is a 30-foot Colorado blue spruce from Palmyra, Pennsylvania, and will be lit for the first time during this year’s ceremony. Thanks to a partnership with the National Park Foundation, GE Lighting is celebrating its 57th year of decorating the National Christmas Tree. In addition, 56 smaller trees surrounding the National Christmas Tree will feature one-of-a-kind ornaments, representing every U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia.

The National Tree Lighting ceremony under past administrations attracted A list talent like Kelly Clarkson. Now, one of her The Voice team members who hasn’t even released an album yet will take part. Last year, the administration also leaned heavily on singing show alums for talent. American Idol 2018 alum and country singer, Gabby Barrett performed, while Spensha Baker made her inaugural appearance.  LOCASH, Matthew West, Paul Cardall,  and Thompson Square also performed last year. Unless more artists are added, the lineup is even thinner this time.

 

About mj santilli 35171 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!