About the Song
Alan Jackson & Chris Young – “There’s a New Kid in Town” (CMA Country Christmas 2017): A Sacred Duet for a Silent Night
When Alan Jackson and Chris Young stepped onto the stage together at the CMA Country Christmas special in 2017, something truly special happened. In a season often filled with glitter and noise, they offered a moment of stillness. A moment of meaning. Their duet of “There’s a New Kid in Town” wasn’t just a performance—it was a reverent, emotional tribute to the true heart of Christmas.
Originally recorded by Keith Whitley in 1985 and later covered by Alan himself in 1993, this gentle ballad has always carried a sacred weight. The lyrics tell a simple, powerful story: the world is watching and waiting for something big… but in a little town, in a manger, a child has arrived. Not just any child—the Child. And now, there’s a new kind of hope in the air.
Alan Jackson, with his unmistakable voice—soft, Southern, full of faith—opened the song with grace. Then Chris Young, with his deep, soulful tone, joined in. Together, they created a blend that felt almost timeless—like two generations of country music coming together to honor something far bigger than themselves.
The staging was simple. Soft lights. A quiet audience. No big production—just two voices, one acoustic guitar, and a shared message of wonder and reverence. You could feel the hush in the room. It wasn’t just beautiful—it was holy.
For fans of classic country Christmas music, this performance was a gift. It reminded us that the season isn’t just about sparkle—it’s about heart. It’s about a child born in the quiet, and the way that simple birth still echoes in every carol, every candle, every silent night.
Alan Jackson and Chris Young’s “There’s a New Kid in Town” wasn’t flashy. It didn’t need to be. It was heartfelt, humble, and full of soul. And for many watching that night, it became a new favorite—a reminder that country music still knows how to tell the old, old story in a way that feels brand new.