On Wednesday night, November 29, Lainey Wilson brought the holiday spirit to life with a soulful and bluesy take on “Santa Claus Is Back in Town” during NBC’s Christmas at Graceland special. Channeling the energy of Elvis Presley, Wilson delivered a mesmerizing performance that paid tribute to the King of Rock and Roll.
A Festive Performance at Graceland
Set against the stunning backdrop of Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, Wilson’s performance transported fans into a winter wonderland steeped in history and nostalgia. The colonial-style home, adorned with vintage cars and classic holiday décor, provided a picturesque setting for the festive occasion.
Dressed in a dazzling bell-bottomed jumpsuit embellished with rhinestones, sequins, and a dramatic cape, Wilson infused the iconic Elvis hit with her signature Bell Bottom Country style. Accompanied by her touring band and joined by special guest Meg McRee on acoustic guitar and background vocals, Wilson delivered a powerful and entertaining rendition of the beloved Christmas tune.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Ahead of the special, Wilson gave fans an intimate glimpse into her experience through an Instagram post, sharing a video of her preparations and behind-the-scenes moments at Graceland.
“Well y’all…I sure am in the Christmas spirit now! ❤️🎄 What a way to officially ring in the holidays by honoring the rock ‘n’ roll legend himself, @elvis, at the beautiful @visitgraceland,” she wrote, expressing her excitement for the event.
The Legacy of “Santa Claus Is Back in Town”
Originally recorded in 1957 for Elvis’ Christmas Album, “Santa Claus Is Back in Town” was penned by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The song became the opening track of what would go on to be the best-selling Christmas album of all time in the United States, according to Billboard. Over the years, the rock-infused holiday classic has been covered by various artists, including Dwight Yoakam, whose 1997 rendition from his Come On Christmas album charted on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs list.
A Star-Studded Lineup
Wilson was among an array of talented artists who performed during the Christmas at Graceland special. The lineup featured country music stars like Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, and The War and Treaty, alongside music industry heavyweights such as Alanis Morissette, John Legend, Lana Del Rey, and Post Malone. Each artist brought a unique touch to the celebration, performing in honor of Elvis Presley at his legendary estate.
Adding to the significance of the night, Riley Keough, Elvis Presley’s granddaughter and an Emmy Award-nominated actress known for Daisy Jones & the Six, made special appearances throughout the show. She also served as an executive producer under her Felix Culpa production banner alongside Gina Gammell.
A Historic Moment at Graceland
Marking the first-ever televised concert from the Graceland estate, Christmas at Graceland showcased never-before-seen footage of Elvis Presley, making the event even more special. The special aired on NBC immediately following Christmas in Rockefeller Center, bringing a touch of Memphis magic to homes across the nation.
Following her unforgettable performance at Graceland, Wilson will hit the road once again, closing out the year with a series of shows, including an exciting four-night run at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. With her star shining brighter than ever, Lainey Wilson continues to captivate audiences and spread holiday cheer through her unmistakable artistry.
