Jamal Roberts to Light Up Rockefeller Center: A Christmas Star is Born

In the glittering heart of New York City, where the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree stands ready to dazzle, Jamal Roberts, a 24-year-old vocal prodigy from Atlanta, will headline NBC’s Christmas at Rockefeller Center on December 3, 2025, bringing a whirlwind of whimsical magic and holiday cheer. The rising superstar, whose soulful voice and infectious charm have skyrocketed him to fame with his 2024 debut album Soul Spark (2 million sales), is poised to deliver a family-friendly spectacle that producers call “the most enchanting holiday performance in years,” blending classic carols, surprise duets, and a radiant energy that promises to outshine even the 80-foot Norway spruce’s 50,000 LED lights.

A star’s ascent to holiday royalty.

The announcement, made October 27, 2025, via NBC’s Today show, sent fans into a frenzy. Roberts, born March 12, 2001, in Atlanta’s Vine City, rose from church choirs to viral fame with a 2023 TikTok cover of “This Christmas” (30 million views). Signed by Atlantic Records, his single “Light the Way” hit No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 2024, earning a Grammy nod. “Jamal’s voice is a gift—pure, soulful, joyful,” said producer Lorne Michaels. At Rockefeller, he’ll perform “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night,” backed by a 40-piece orchestra, with his signature falsetto and gospel runs. “This is my love letter to every family gathered around the tree,” Roberts told Variety, his megawatt smile lighting up the screen.

A setlist to warm the heart.

The 90-minute special, airing live at 8 PM EST to 10 million viewers, will feature Roberts’ renditions of holiday classics, infused with his Atlanta-soul swagger. Expect a jazzy “Winter Wonderland,” a heartfelt “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and a showstopping “O Holy Night” with a children’s choir. Surprise duets are teased—rumors point to Alicia Keys for “The Christmas Song” and P!nk for “Joy to the World,” tying to her 2025 Missionary tour with Snoop Dogg. The production dazzles: a 20-foot LED snowflake backdrop, ice skaters circling the rink, and Roberts descending on a sleigh for “Jingle Bells.” “Jamal’s charm is the real star,” said NBC’s executive producer. “He’s the holiday hug we all need.”

A journey from struggle to spotlight.

Roberts’ rise mirrors the holiday spirit: hope through hardship. Raised by a single mother, a nurse, he sang in church to escape Atlanta’s rough streets. A 2022 busking video caught Alicia Keys’ eye, leading to a mentorship and his 2023 breakout. “Music saved me,” he told Rolling Stone, crediting his mom’s sacrifices. His 2025 advocacy—$500,000 to Atlanta youth choirs and a viral #SingYourTruth challenge (20 million mentions)—grounds his stardom. “Rockefeller’s my dream, but it’s for every kid who feels unseen,” he said, echoing his 2024 BET Awards speech that moved 5 million to tears.

The world buzzes with holiday anticipation.

Social media lit up, #JamalAtRockefeller trending No. 1 globally with 35 million mentions by noon CDT. “Jamal’s voice is Christmas magic—chills!” tweeted Alicia Keys, liked 2 million times. Snoop Dogg posted: “Lil’ bro bringing soul to the tree—Dogg approves! 💜” P!nk added: “Alecia here—Jamal’s heart lights up the season!” TikTok exploded with edits: “Silent Night” snippets synced to Rockefeller’s twinkling lights, captioned “Jamal’s holiday glow.” Billboard hailed it “2025’s must-watch holiday event.” Streams of “Light the Way” surged 600%, hitting Billboard’s Top 10. Fans donated $200,000 to Roberts’ choir fund, echoing his call: “Sing your joy.” Even skeptics on X wrote, “Kid’s got pipes—Rockefeller’s his stage.”

A holiday beacon in a divided world.

In a 2025 world of tariff wars and division, Roberts’ performance is a unifying spark. His journey—from Atlanta’s church pews to global stages—embodies resilience, much like P!nk’s 2025 shelter rescue or Snoop’s Kimmel anthem. “This tree, this music—it’s for every heart,” he said on Today. The December 3 broadcast, with 50,000 expected at Rockefeller Plaza, isn’t just a show—it’s a celebration of hope. As the tree’s star gleams, Roberts’ voice will shine brighter, proving that in winter’s chill, a young star’s warmth can light the world. Christmas at Rockefeller Center isn’t just a tradition—it’s Jamal Roberts’ moment, and the holiday’s never felt so alive.