Wynonna Judd Releases Soul-Stirring Version Of ‘Beautiful Star of Bethlehem’ Ahead Of ‘Christmas At The Opry’

Wynonna Judd has released a new solo version of The Judds’ classic Christmas song “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem.”

The faith-filled tune was written in 1938 by Tennessee native Robert Fisher Boyce while living on a dairy farm with his wife and kids family. According to rutherfordtnhistory.org, the story goes that Boyce was a religious man who served as a deacon at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. One day he searched for peace and quiet out in their barn and in that setting, he felt inspired to pen the title, “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem.” 

A New Solo Version Of The Judds’ Classic Christmas Song

Wynonna first recorded the classic Christmas song in 1987 alongside her mother as part of their famed duo, The Judds. In a recent statement, the songstress admitted that it has remained a staple in her catalog all these years later as it resurrects such fond memories for her. 

“’Beautiful Star of Bethlehem’ is one of the first Christmas songs I ever remember singing with Mom,” Wynonna shared. “We recorded it in 1987 for the ‘Christmas Time with The Judds’ album, and I still sing it to this day!”

Thirty-five years later Wynonna got the chance to make new memories with “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” as she re-recorded it with her husband and producer, Cactus Moser. She said that this experience was “so special” to her as it brought back a moment of her past while also celebrating the current stage of her life. 

The Grammy Award-winning country superstar describes her delivery of the tune as “rootsy & raw,” and explained that feels almost as if she and her listeners have gathered together to share an intimate moment while “sitting around the fireplace singing together.” 

“Oh beautiful star the hope of light / Guiding the pilgrims through the night / Over the mountains ’til the break of dawn / Into the light of perfect day / It will give out a lovely ray / Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem shine on,” Wynonna sings on the chorus with her tender vocals on full display. 

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Wynonna To Host Christmas at the Opry

In addition to her latest release, NBC and Peacock have announced that Wynonna Judd will host NBC’s Christmas at the Opry, airing Thursday, Dec. 7. 

The two-hour holiday event hosted at Nashville’s historic Grand Ole Opry House will feature performances by some of the best and brightest voices in country music. Whether you’re watching from home or seeing the magic unfold in the live audience, the show will offer an evening full of of Christmas favorites, holiday classics and today’s biggest hits.

“Get ready for a good old-fashioned country, sing-along Opry style. It’s time to celebrate the season, and it’s all about food, fellowship and your faith, and we become family,” Wynonna teased in a new promotional video for the festive event.

The clip opens with a preview of Wynonna performing a duet of the classic “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” alongside Kelly Clarkson. Additional artists who are expected to take the stage include Adam Dolec, BRELAND, Brenda Lee, Chris Janson, Chrissy Metz, Kelly Clarkson, Lauren Alaina, Meghan Patrick, Mickey Guyton, Mitchell Tenpenny, Trace Adkins, and more. 

Recalling Her Favorite Christmas Tradition

In honor of this upcoming event that’s centered around the joys of spending the holiday season with loved ones, Wynonna took a moment to reflect on the “really simple” Christmas tradition that has now become her favorite way to spend the holidays.

“I come home and I’ll be honest with you, I try to stay in my pajamas for at least a week, and I just play with my grandbaby and I try to stay fully present and in the moment. Country is a state of mind. I think there’s a little country in all of us,” she shared honestly. “Being country means walking in the woods with your challenges and your joys, and they intermingle and you just show up real. We struggled, but yet the music filled our living room and it made us all believe in a higher power. We had nothing. We were on welfare and we just sang.” 

With this TV special, Wynonna hopes to bring people together and put aside any disagreements so that the community can bring a bit of light to the days and continue to “show up for each other no matter what’s going on.”

“It’s been a tough year for a lot of people. I hope that somebody feels better after watching the show than they did before,” she added in conclusion. 

Christmas at the Opry is executive produced by Jesse Ignjatovic, Evan Prager and Barb Bialkowski for Den of Thieves along with RAC Clark and Jen Jones. 

Tune into NBC on December 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT to catch Wynonna leading the spectacular Christmas at the Opry special. The show will also re-air on December 20 at 9/8c.