News : Elton John and Ed Sheeran Ring in the Holidays With Joyful ‘Merry Christmas’ on ‘Kimmel’

Gil Kaufman December 18, 2021
image

Elton John and Ed Sheeran rang in the holidays in style on Thursday night (Dec. 16) on Jimmy Kimmel Live! with a glittery, joy-filled run through their holiday single, “Merry Christmas.” The song, which dropped last week and immediately topped the singles chart in the U.K., is an upbeat, cheery ode to all the best things about the season.

“So kiss me under the mistletoe/ Pour out the wine, let’s toast and pray for December snow/ I know there’s been pain this year, but it’s time to let it go/ Next year, you never know/ But for now, Merry Christmas,” Sheeran sang while strumming his acoustic guitar.

John, seated at a red baby grand piano, joined in on the first verse, harmonizing with Ed on the lyrics about embracing the good times. “We’ll dance in the kitchen while embers glow/ We’ve both known love, but the love we got is the bеst of all/ I wish you could see you through my eyes, then you would know/ My God, you look bеautiful/ Right now, Merry Christmas,” they sang.

The pair, who co-wrote the track, were accompanied by a full band and a trio of backup singers in shimmering dresses on a massive soundstage decked out with Christmas trees for the performance that benefited Sheeran’s Suffolk Music Foundation and the the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The song is John’s second holiday tune and the sequel to his beloved 1973 classic “Step Into Christmas.” It also debuted on multiple Billboard charts dated Dec. 18, launching at No. 2 on Holiday Digital Song Sales, No. 4 on Digital Song Sales, No. 10 on Billboard Global Excl. U.S., No. 20 on the Billboard Global 200 and No. 72 on the Billboard Hot 100. With it, John earned his 70th career Hot 100 hit, becoming the 23rd artist to reach the mark since the list originated in August 1958. It’s his third of 2021, following this year’s “Cold Heart (Pnau Remix),” with Dua Lipa, and his featured turn on Lil Nas X’s “One of Me.” It’s the first time John has had three Hot 100 hits in a calendar year since 1995.

Check out the performance below.

RELATED ARTICLES

TXT’s Yeonjun Credits BTS Star RM For Helping Him And Soobin Reconnect

Feeling stuck, Yeonjun eventually turned to RM for advice.

April 01, 2026 0 comment

Beyond The Music Festival Confirms 2026 Comeback In Manchester

The third edition will move to a new home at Salford's MediaCity

March 31, 2026 0 comment

Megan Thee Stallion Saves Dog From Euthanasia List, Calls Kill Shelters “Insane”

The rapper named her new "son" Tyger.

March 28, 2026 0 comment

Dexys Midnight Runners Reveal 2026 UK And Ireland Tour After Signing To Heavenly Recordings

They are their first shows under that name since 2003, and dates include a slot at Hackney Empire in London

March 25, 2026 0 comment

Tokischa Cuts Off Her Hair Onstage At New York’s Madison Square Garden

The Dominican artist was the supporting act ahead of FKA Twigs' set Saturday night (March 21).

March 23, 2026 0 comment

RAYE And Hans Zimmer Collaborate On New Song Click Clack Symphony

It is the latest track to be shared from her hotly anticipated second studio album, ‘This Music May Contain Hope’

March 20, 2026 0 comment

BTS Fans Believe Zane Lowe Is Teasing A New Interview

He shared an Instagram post from a very familiar studio.

March 19, 2026 0 comment

GloRilla Reveals Fitness Transformation As Fans React

GloRilla has been taking a bit of a break from music to go all out in the gym, and the progress is becoming noticeable.

March 18, 2026 0 comment

Leave a comment