Teddy Swims Returns to Rockefeller Center: A Soulful Voice Lights Up the Holidays
Under the glittering glow of the world’s most famous Christmas tree, Teddy Swims steps into the heart of New York’s holiday magic, his voice—still raw, still radiant—turning Rockefeller Center into a sanctuary of soul, warmth, and grace.
A Soulful Return to a Cherished Tradition. December 3, 2025—Teddy Swims, 33, headlines NBC’s 28th annual Christmas at Rockefeller Center, a two-hour spectacle airing live at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. The Georgia-born powerhouse, whose I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (2024) topped Billboard with 2 billion streams, will perform “Silent Night,” “O Holy Night,” and soulful takes on festive favorites. Producers call it “the must-see performance of the year,” with Teddy’s first holiday special since 2023’s A Very Teddy Christmas. “Teddy is Christmas soul,” said executive producer Brad Lachman. “His voice doesn’t just sing the season—it soothes it.”
The Setlist: A Gift Wrapped in Heart. Teddy’s performance, backed by a 40-piece orchestra and the Radio City Rockettes, opens with a gospel-tinged “O Holy Night”—just organ, choir, and that gravelly tenor. He’ll segue into “Silent Night” with a stripped-down arrangement featuring the Morehouse College Glee Club, symbolizing unity across generations. The medley includes “This Christmas,” “Please Come Home for Christmas,” and a surprise duet with rising star Emily Carter—the Stanford freshman who joined Teddy in Austin last month. “Emily’s my holiday miracle,” Teddy told Variety. “She reminds me why we sing—and feel.”
A Stage Steeped in Soul and Spirit. The Rockefeller stage, framed by the 81-foot Norway spruce adorned with 50,000 LED lights and a 900-pound Swarovski star, has hosted legends—Aretha Franklin, John Legend, Alicia Keys—but Teddy’s return is personal. His 2019 breakout “Lose Control” was born from trailer-park struggles; his 2025 tour raised $1.8 million for mental health. “Christmas was always about redemption,” he shared in a pre-taped segment. “Mama J’s kitchen gospel kept me grounded.” This year, he dedicates the performance to cancer survivors—donating proceeds to the Swims Legacy Foundation.
Behind the Magic: A Labor of Love and Heart. Rehearsals began in October at Teddy’s Conyers studio, where he fine-tuned every note with arranger David Foster. Despite a packed tour, Teddy insisted on performing live, using custom in-ears for vocal health. “I’m not here to fake it,” he quipped to crew. His team, including partner Raiche Wright (co-producer), ensured every detail reflected his vision: vintage microphones, a black grand piano, and a suit by Willy Chavarria echoing his soul roots. “This isn’t a comeback,” Raiche said. “It’s a thank-you—to fans, to family, to faith.”
The Guests: A Constellation of Holiday Stars. Teddy shares the bill with Kelly Clarkson (“Wrapped in Red”), Pentatonix (a cappella “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”), and Norah Jones (“Christmas Calling”). The tree-lighting moment—when 50,000 lights ignite—will feature Teddy and Emily in a spontaneous “Joy to the World” reprise, with the Rockettes in formation. Host Savannah Guthrie calls it “the most soulful lighting in years.”
A Global Gift: Reach, Resonance, and Record Viewership. NBC projects 17 million viewers, with Peacock streaming in 4K. Social media buzz—#TeddyAtRockefeller—has already hit 6.5 million posts. Clips from Teddy’s 2023 special (15 million views) resurged post-announcement. Spotify reports a 47% spike in A Very Teddy Christmas streams since October. “He’s the North Star of holiday soul,” said SiriusXM’s Jess Cagle.
A Legacy That Outshines the Lights. As the final note fades and the tree blazes, one truth glows: Teddy Swims’s voice isn’t just a sound—it’s a salve, turning winter’s chill into warmth, and every heart into home. This Christmas, Rockefeller Center doesn’t just shine—it sings.
