No Singer Has Ever Performed 'O Holy Night' As Jennifer Nettles Just Did

Jun 20, 2020

Jennifer Nettles, formerly one half of the country duo Sugarland, has been developing a solo career since 2013. If her success as both a solo artist and the frontwoman of several groups, including Sugarland, wasn’t proof enough of her talent, you need only listen to her rendition of O Holy Night to understand what makes her one of the most uniquely talented vocalists around.

Originally from a small town in Georgia, Jennifer fronted two other groups in Atlanta prior to joining Kristain Bush to create Sugarland, according to AllMusic. These were Soul Miner’s Daughter and the Jennifer Nettles Band. Jennifer has worn many hats over the years; in addition to singing, she writes songs, produces records, and has starred in many of her own music videos, lighting up the screen both with her singing and her spunky personality. She has won or been nominated for many awards, including a Grammy for Best New Artist in 2006.

In 2016, Jennifer followed in the footsteps of star performers from Mariah Carey and Justin Beiber to Elvis Presley and The Beach Boys in releasing a Christmas album through Big Machine Records she called To Celebrate Christmas. On the album, she included many traditional holiday classics such as Go Tell It on the Mountain, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Do You Hear What I Hear, and The First Noel.

Perhaps the most powerful song on the album, however, was her rendition of O Holy Night, which she combined with Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah to create a winning mashup. This is both songs as you’ve never heard them before. The singer’s distinctive and dynamic vocals bring the lyrics to new heights. Jennifer’s O Holy Night/Hallelujah is simultaneously a tribute to the magic of both songs and something altogether new that transcends its inspirations.

In Sugarland music videos for songs like All I Want to Do and Stuck On You, Jennifer starred as an ingenue and a vixen, in turn. (In the latter, she very convincingly plays a psychotic stalker who kidnaps the object of her affection and is summarily arrested, which hardly seems to phase her). In her performance of O Holy Night/Hallelujah for SiriusXM, however, is it is simply her and a microphone. She appears comparatively mature, but her presence is just as magnetic; she lights up the screen in an angelic, high-necked white top.

There are no music video gimmicks on display here, just raw talent and the singer’s distinct style with its slight country twang and captivating warmth. Her wavy blond hair pulled into a ponytail, Nettles sways in time with the music and closes her eyes as she pours her heart into the lyrics she’s singing. The audience starts clapping when, towards the end of her performance, she transitions to the opening lines of Cohen’s well-known and beloved Hallelujah; whether they were expecting it or not, they can’t help but be amazed at this final touch. After the song is over, Jennifer signs off by saying simply “Happy holidays, merry Christmas. Thank you, thank you.”

Although the name of the act under which she performs may have changed, Jennifer has retained her most unique asset: her voice. The singer-songwriter’s pure, unadulterated talent is on full display in this raw and emotional medley of two classic songs, which is sure to give you pause and lift your spirits any time of the year.

What did you think of Jennifer Nettles’ take on O Holy Night and Hallelujah? Let us know and pass this incredible live performance on to fellow music lovers.