Multi-platinum artist Clay Aiken has released an uplifting and joyful rendition of Paul McCartney's classic “Wonderful Christmastime,” the second single from his highly anticipated holiday album, ‘Christmas Bells Are Ringing,’ set to release on November 22nd. This follows the debut of Aiken’s fresh take on the Bing Crosby classic, “Do You Hear What I Hear.”
Produced by Grammy Award-winner Ron Fair, the album marks Aiken’s first studio project in over a decade, bringing a nostalgic yet contemporary twist to timeless holiday classics. The project includes a mix of cherished seasonal standards, reimagined in a way only Aiken can deliver, following a hiatus that saw him venture into politics and devote time to raising his teenage son.
‘Christmas Bells Are Ringing’ is a celebration of Aiken’s return to the holiday music genre that helped solidify his place as a beloved artist. His previous holiday album, ‘Merry Christmas With Love,’ released in 2004, was a record-breaking success, selling nearly 300,000 copies in its first week and going platinum. It became the best-selling holiday album of that year, earning Aiken three Billboard Music Awards.
The new album is set to capture the festive spirit once again, with standout tracks including Nat King Cole’s “Caroling, Caroling,” a lush rendition of The Carpenters’ “Merry Christmas, Darling” (one of Aiken’s favorite inspirations), and a show-stopping reimagining of “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka andamp; the Chocolate Factory.
Clay Aiken’s journey to fame began as the runner-up on season two of American Idol in 2003. His debut single, “This Is the Night,” launched at #1 on Billboard's Hot 100, while his first album, ‘Measure of a Man,’ achieved triple platinum status. Since then, Aiken has sold millions of albums, headlined national tours, starred on Broadway, and made significant strides as both a philanthropist and politician.
As this year marks the 20th anniversary of ‘Merry Christmas With Love,’ Aiken’s latest album, ‘Christmas Bells Are Ringing,’ promises to bring the same timeless joy to listeners, making it an ideal soundtrack for the 2024 holiday season.
Recently, Clay Aiken took to the stage at the United Way Benefit for Hurricane Relief to raise essential funds for communities devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The primetime special aired on the CBS Television Network and CMT, with live streaming available on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. The cause was especially meaningful to Aiken, a North Carolina native, who was deeply moved by the impact on his home state. More information can be found here.
Track Listing for ‘Christmas Bells Are Ringing’:
Brand New Remaster Of The Original Album Mix From The 1974 Tapes
Latest Single From His Upcoming Album ‘Christmas Bells Are Ringing,’ Out This Friday
Stream/download the album out now via Rebellion Records
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