For six weeks only, the voices America crowned as some of the greatest in the country will unite onstage for a holiday concert extravaganza. Beginning November 17, winners of television reality singing competitions will play Broadway’s August Wilson Theatre in a special celebration directed by Jonathan Tessero. Here’s what you need to know about the talents taking the stage in Home for the Holidays:
Candice Glover
American Idol Season 12, Winner
Though Glover had auditioned for the show in previous seasons, Season 12 proved her lucky charm. Singing a mashup of “Syrup & Honey/Call Me Maybe” for her first audition, Glover outdid her competitors and sang “I Am Beautiful” for her final performance. After winning Season 12 of the original TV reality singing competition, the R&B/soul singer began to perform for sold-out crowds all over the world. She released her solo album, Music Speaks, in February 2014. She appeared in Hallmark Channel’s original Christmas movie Northpole and was cast in WGN America’s Underground last year. She performed at The White House for First Lady Michelle Obama and is currently working on a second album.
Josh Kaufman
The Voice Season 6, Winner
When Kaufman won The Voice, he proved that breakout talent knows no age—as he was the oldest winner in the series history at age 38. Before The Voice, Kaufman appeared on Star Search at age 16, and auditioned for the first season of The X Factor in 2011. He is a member of the rock and soul band The New Etiquette, formerly known as Josh Kaufman and the Frequency. Kaufman wowed the judges with his initial audition song “One More Try” by George Michael. On the live finale, Kaufman sang “Every Breath You Take” with Voice judge Usher, “Set Fire to the Rain,” and a reprise of “One More Try” to clinch the title.
Bianca Ryan
America’s Got Talent Season 1, Winner
Ryan won the variety talent show at the age of 11. She released her first solo album in 2006 and later released two Christmas albums—so she has experience making holiday standards her own. She released her first single in 2010, an original song called “In My Head.” She later started her own record label to have more artistic control over her work, and launched a YouTube channel in 2014 to feature her work. Now 23 years old, Ryan has continued to write and record her own music, as well as produce videos of covers by Ed Sheeran, John Legend, and more. She released a new EP this past summer, Man Down.
Peter Hollens & Evynne Hollens
YouTube stars
Husband-and-wife performers Peter and Evynne Hollens made their names as YouTube artists. With over 1.6 million subscribers, Peter has collaborated and performed with musicians such as Jason Mraz, Gladys Knight, and more. Specializing in a cappella covers, Peter has released over 125 singles to date. Evynne has garnered over 29 million views on her YouTube videos. She founded the University of Oregon’s female a cappella group, which inspired the book and movie Pitch Perfect.
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Kaitlyn Bristowe
The Bachelorette
The reality celeb will be the onstage host of Home for the Holidays. A former dancer and a dance teacher, Bristowe is no stranger to the world of performance and brings her humor to the Broadway stage.
Special guest Danny Aiello
An Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated actor, Aiello has appeared in over 100 films, from his portrayal of Cher’s jilted fiancé in Moonstruck to his award-winning role as Sal in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing. A stage performer, as well, Aiello is currently developing the Broadway-aimed musical Capone and plays with his swing band Joe Geary & the Guys. He made his Broadway debut in 1944 in Follow the Girls and has appeared on Broadway in such shows as Hurlyburly (1984) and The House of Blue Loves (1986), and won a Theatre World Award for Lamppost Reunion in 1976. His upcoming films include The Italy Boys and Little Italy.
