Jessica Brown
During December, many artists like to celebrate the season by releasing Christmas music for their fans. While some create their own Christmas material, many singers and bands cover pre-existing songs, such as “Carol of the Bells” and “What Christmas Means to Me”.
While we absolutely love when an artist releases original holiday songs, we decided to focus on covers this time around. We kept your favorite artists in mind, and we have to say; we found some interesting recordings we really weren’t expecting. For instance, did you know My Chemical Romance recorded a certain famous holiday song by Mariah Carey?
To get you into the Christmas spirit, from our computers to yours, here are twenty-five Christmas song covers from some of the best and most well-known voices in the industry.
1. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” // Fifth Harmony
Before Fifth Harmony’s popularity skyrocketed, the girls recorded a music video for their own version of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas is You”. If you compare this with one of their more recent videos, such as the one for “Flex (All In My Head)”, you’ll clearly be able to see how much they’ve grown up both physically and vocally. After all, this cover was released in 2014. Their first album wasn’t out until 2015.
2. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” // Sleeping At Last
Sleeping At Last is known for pulling out emotions in you that you never knew existed. You might’ve never experienced heartbreak, but Sleeping At Last is capable of giving you the feeling either way. In 2015, the project released a Christmas collection, which included a cover of “Baby (Please Come Home)”. It made a reappearance in the project’s 2016 Christmas collection as well.
3. “White Christmas” // Jason Manns ft. Jared Padalecki
Not many people know about this one. In December 2014, Jason Manns released a Christmas album entitled Christmas With Friends. The name pretty much explains the album’s content; eleven Christmas songs that are sung not only by Jason Manns, but by some of his friends as well. This includes Supernatural‘s goofy and lovable Jared Padalecki. The two recorded a cover of “White Christmas” together. If you’re a fan of Jared’s, it’s everything you’ve ever hoped for and more. His vocals are beautifully deep and raspy, and he brings meaning into every lyric he sings. Hopefully one day, another song will be released with his name in the credits.
4. “Santa Baby” // Ariana Grande ft. Liz Gillies
While Ariana Grande has released a few of her own Christmas songs, she has recorded some stellar covers as well. In 2013, on her debut EP Christmas Kisses, she covered “Santa Baby” with her Victorious co-star Liz Gillies. If you were/are a fan of the Nickelodeon show, you’ll definitely appreciate this cover.
5. “Mary, Did You Know?” // Pentatonix
Over the years, Pentatonix has blown up. The a capella group’s YouTube videos have done ridiculously well, with most of them holding at least a few million views. They released an album with original material a little while ago, but most people recognize them from the covers they’ve done. In 2014, they released a video for their recording of “Mary, Did You Know?”. Since they don’t use any instruments, their cover is beautifully refreshing and unique.
6. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” // Coldplay
Almost everyone knows Coldplay, and even if you think you don’t, you’d probably be able to recognize at least one of their songs. The band is known for their brilliant and talented use of their instruments, Chris Martin’s astounding vocals, and their unforgettably emotional lyrics. In 2001, they released a Christmas EP titled Mince Spies, which was exclusive to Coldplay’s fan club. Only one thousand copies were made, but despite the limited number, the songs still made it onto YouTube. This includes their version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. It’s classic Coldplay, and it can’t get much better than that.
7. “Silent Night” // Miley Cyrus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io-fgDPm5go
Since her role on Disney’s Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus has been wowing crowds with her incredible vocal abilities. Over the years, her talent has only gotten stronger. In 2015, she starred in A Very Murray Christmas. During the film, alongside a piano, Miley performed a cover of “Silent Night”. If you even slightly doubt her talent, this is the song that will change your mind.
8. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” // Little Mix
Little Mix has been doing incredibly well recently. They just released their fourth album, and next year they’ll be joining Ariana Grande as an opening act for her US tour. Back in 2014, two years after their second album Salute was released, the girls decided to produce and release a cover of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” in time for the holidays. Compared to Sleeping At Last’s version, Little Mix’s performance is much more upbeat. You may just find yourself dancing along.
9. “What Child Is This” // Christina Grimmie
If you have ever watched or listened to one of Christina Grimmie’s performances, then you know how passionate she was about her music. Christina ran a popular YouTube account, zeldaxlove64, where she posted videos of herself singing covers and originals. In 2013, shortly before she joined Team Adam on The Voice, Christina posted a cover of “What Child Is This” on her channel. Her brother joined her on the guitar, while she sang and played the keyboard.
10. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” // Tyler Joseph
This is one of those covers you may not have known existed. A few years ago, twenty one pilots’ Tyler Joseph sang at Five14 Church during their Christmas With The Stars event. He covered “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”. It’s very different from his usual performances, but that doesn’t stop it from taking your breath away.
11. “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” // Zooey Deschanel & Joseph Gordon-Levitt
If you’re looking for something incredibly sweet and pleasant, you’re going to enjoy this one. In 2009, Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt starred together in (500) Days of Summer. A few years later, HelloGiggles posted a video of the two singing “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” together. Since its publication on YouTube in 2011, the video has been viewed over seventeen million times. We can see why.
12. “12 Days of Christmas” // Jason Manns ft. Misha Collins
Another song from Jason Manns’ Christmas With Friends album. This one doesn’t have Jared Padalecki in it, but instead, it features one of his astonishing co-stars; the one and only Misha Collins. The Supernatural angel doesn’t normally sing, but that doesn’t mean he can’t (hint; he can). He joined Jason in covering “12 Days of Christmas”. If you’re a fan of Misha’s, there’s no doubt that you’ll enjoy the track. However, even if you’ve never heard of him, we still recommend you give it a listen. Calling it fantastic would be an understatement.
13. “White Christmas” // Panic! At The Disco
Some fans know about this one, but some of them don’t. Way back in 2010, Panic! At The Disco sent a cover of “White Christmas” out to their fan club. About a year later, they posted it on Tumblr so the rest of the world could hear it. It’s not a full-length cover, nor is it on an album, but it’s still a lovely listen that no Panic! At The Disco fan is going to want to miss.
14. “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” // The Vamps
Some artists get really serious during the holidays, but that’s not the case for The Vamps. A few days into 2014, the band posted their version of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” on their YouTube channel. It is one of those covers that you can’t help but smile during. It’s mischievous, it’s fun, and you’ll probably end up laughing at least once by the end.
15. “Last Christmas” // Taylor Swift
Before Taylor Swift entered the pop music industry, she was wildly successful in the country category. In 2007, while she was balancing between both genres, she released The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection EP. Her most well-known track from the collection is her cover of “Last Christmas”. During the holiday time, the song still tends to show up on radio stations, despite it being released over nine years ago.
16. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” // Michael Bublé
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNs7I9yrohU
If you listen to the Christmas radio stations, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll end up hearing one of Michael Bublé’s songs or covers at one point or another. With how charming and peaceful his voice is, it’s not a surprise that his album, Christmas, was the first holiday album ever to win a Juno Award for Album of the Year. His cover of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is included on it, and it’s absolutely breathtaking.
17. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” // My Chemical Romance
You don’t have to be a pop band to produce a great Christmas song cover. In 2005, My Chemical Romance released their unique cover of “All I Want For Christmas Is You”. It starts off similarly to Mariah Carey’s original version, but by the end of the first verse, My Chemical Romance bounces back to their usual emo-rock sound.
18. “Baby It’s Cold Outside” // Lady Gaga & Joseph Gordon-Levitt
There’s nothing better than Lady Gaga, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and The Muppets. In 2013, on Thanksgiving Day, ABC broadcasted Lady Gaga and the Muppets’ Holiday Spectacular. It was a television special that featured a mix of performances, which included Lady Gaga and Joseph’s rendition of “Baby It’s Cold Outside”. It’s a very sweet performance that puts a spotlight on both of their talents.
19. “Wonderful Christmas Time” // Demi Lovato
As most people know, Demi Lovato gained her fame through her role on Disney Channel. During her time with the company, she recorded a decent amount of music. This includes her version of “Wonderful Christmas Time”, which was released in 2008. It’s clear that Demi’s vocals have strengthened since this was produced, but even back then, her voice was powerful. For a lot, this song is a nice trip down memory lane.
20. “O Holy Night” // Ellie Goulding
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9lr0CqL7rM
If you like any of Ellie Goulding’s songs, you’re going to enjoy this one. Last December, she released her cover of “O Holy Night” to her fans for free (available here). Her voice, much like always, is peacefully and stunningly breathtaking. Not all artists are capable of taking on a Christmas album, but from this cover alone, it’s clear that Ellie has the talent to do it.
21. “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” // Maroon 5
Maroon 5 is another one of those bands that almost everyone knows. Whether you know them from their earlier music (“She Will Be Loved”, “Won’t Go Home Without You”) or their more recent music (“Sugar”, “Don’t Wanna Know”), most people enjoy at least one of Maroon 5’s eras. In early 2007, nearly five years after Songs About Jane was released and about four months before It Won’t Be Soon Before Long came out, the band released a cover of “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”. Around this time, their music lingered closer to rock than pop, but their rendition didn’t go in that direction. However, that doesn’t stop it from being a beautiful and perfectly done Christmas cover.
22. “Winter Wonderland” // Selena Gomez
Like Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez’s fame skyrocketed when she was on Disney Channel. While a lot of her time was spent on the set of Wizards of Waverly Place, she recorded music as well. In 2009, about three years before the show came to an end, Selena covered “Winter Wonderland” for Disney’s album, All Wrapped Up Vol. 2. If you listen to any of her current songs, you’ll be able to hear how much her voice has matured over the years. Her voice has always been gorgeous, this short cover proves that, but Revival holds a type of strength that can’t be found on a Disney album.
23. “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” // Glee
Back in 2009, Glee was all anyone was ever talking about. The show inspired thousands of students to join their school’s music programs, and the singles Glee released broke record after record. In 2010, they had eighty of them on the Billboard Hot 100, which beat The Beatles’ record of thirty-one. Most of their albums were highly successful, including their first Christmas album. It was released in 2010, and it did extremely well on the charts. The whole album was fantastic, but one of the best songs on it was Matthew Morrison (Will Schuester) and k.d. lang’s cover of “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch”. It’s creepy, it’s strange, and it’s perfect.
24. “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” // Band Aid 30
When Band Aid 30’s cover of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” was first released in 2014, almost everyone was excited about it. Thirty different artists, all of which are well-known, participated in the project. The single was produced for a good cause, as all of the profits that were made were donated to help fight against the Ebola crisis in Western Africa. One Direction, Olly Murs, Ed Sheeran, and Rita Ora are only some of the talented singers that got involved.
25. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” // Jason Manns ft. Jensen Ackles
Lastly, we have another track from, you guessed it, Jason Manns’ Christmas With Friends album. On top of having both Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins on his album, Jason featured Jensen Ackles on it as well. He had the whole Supernatural trio, plus some. While neither Jared nor Misha go out and sing, Jensen actually does. He has shown up and sang at a few of the official Supernatural convention’s Saturday Night Specials. For this album, he and Jason covered “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. Jensen performs a lot of southern rock (“Simple Man“, “Whipping Post“), but this particular cover is soft and gentle. His strong and profound vocals are still present, along with his usual southern touch, but the flow is different. However, this works perfectly for the song at hand. If you’re looking for a calming and charming performance, you’re going to love Jensen and Jason’s rendition.
What are some of your favorite Christmas song covers? Were there any covers on this list that you didn’t know about? Tell us by tweeting us on our Twitter, @CelebMix.
