On Tuesday (Nov. 21), Wynonna Judd dropped a surprise Christmas song. It's a bare-bones version of "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem," a holiday hymn recorded over 35 years ago by The Judds.
"'Beautiful Star of Bethlehem' is one of the first Christmas songs I ever remember singing with Mom," Judd wrote on Twitter. "We recorded it in 1987 for the Christmas Time with The Judds album, and I still sing it to this day! Getting to re-record it with my husband [and] producer Cactus Moser, 35 years later, was so special to me. It's rootsy [and] raw, as if we're sitting around the fireplace singing together."
In a TikTok post, Judd added that "I am now putting ['Beautiful Star of Bethlehem'] back out because it's one of my favorite all time Christmas songs and I hope that you enjoy it."
A native of Rutherford County, Tenn., Robert Fisher Boyce wrote "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem" on his family's farm. It was first published in 1940. As heard on Judd's new version, it's pliable to folk and bluegrass-style instrumentation and harmonies.
Judd will host NBC's Christmas at the Opry broadcast on Dec. 7. Held at the Grand Ole Opry House, the special will feature appearances by Kelly Clarkson, Trace Adkins, Chris Janson, Brenda Lee and more.
The holiday special was filmed shortly after the People's Choice Country Awards, a Sept. 28 event at which Judd was given a Country Champion award for years of charity.
"Wynonna is one of the most recognized and lauded performers in country music," Cassandra Tryon, senior VP, Live Events, NBCUniversal Entertainment shared in a statement. "Not only is she incredibly talented, her selflessness and passion for putting the needs of others in the spotlight is unmatched. We can't think of a better person to honor as our inaugural 'Country Champion' and to celebrate the holidays with across these two major country music events."
