In a performance hailed as one of the song’s most captivating modern interpretations, Michael Bublé welcomed former Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland for a spectacular duet of the holiday classic “White Christmas.” The unexpected collaboration, featured on Bublé’s 2011 Christmas special, quickly racked up over five million YouTube views, with fans still clamoring for an official studio release a decade later.

The Star-Studded Christmas Special

The duet took place during “A Michael Bublé Christmas,” the Canadian crooner’s third annual TV holiday broadcast, which aired on December 6, 2011, on NBC. The special was designed to promote Bublé’s massively successful 2011 Christmas album, which remains a modern seasonal staple and his third consecutive No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart.

The arrangement for “White Christmas” was dynamic and rich, kicking off with the smooth, Pink Panther–esque bassline from the New York a cappella group Naturally 7, followed by Disney-inspired backing harmonies. Bublé entered with his classic, jazz-and-blues-infused delivery, channeling the spirit of Frank Sinatra.

The Electric Counterpoint

Midway through the song, Kelly Rowland made a dramatic entrance, gliding onto the stage in a stunning snow-white feathered gown and black platform heels. Her bright, fluid vocals provided the perfect contrast to Bublé’s rich, warm baritone.

The two traded verses effortlessly, their chemistry immediate and electric—a synergy hardly surprising given their prior collaboration on a cover of the Bee Gees’ hit, “How Deep Is Your Love?” As a big band brass section surged forward, the duo broke into retro dance moves, showcasing their genuine enjoyment of the upbeat vibe. Fans and critics were won over by the flawless execution, with even skeptics of the overplayed holiday standard admitting the duet set a “new standard” for the track.

Holiday Veterans and Noted Collaborations

Both artists came to the duet as veterans of holiday music:

• Michael Bublé: His 2011 Christmas album has sold millions and dominated charts globally.

• Kelly Rowland: She first ventured into the festive arena with Destiny’s Child’s 2001 holiday album, 8 Days of Christmas. That album, which featured original R&B holiday tunes, was certified Platinum by the RIAA, denoting shipments of over 1,000,000 copies in the United States.

The star-studded special also featured British artists like Take That’s Gary Barlow performing hits alongside Bublé, and lighthearted segments with comedian Dawn French and chef Gino D’Acampo.