A delightful holiday surprise, “A Very Carpool Karaoke Christmas,” featuring pop icons Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, and Chappell Roan, debuted unexpectedly on Apple TV+ and Apple Music. This hour-long special represents the return of the beloved “Carpool Karaoke: The Series” after a hiatus of 18 months.
Zane Lowe hosted the episode, taking on the role of the driver for all three segments. The special started with a humorous phone call from James Corden, the original host, who passed the keys to Lowe. Throughout the program, Lowe transported Roan around Missouri, Lipa in Tokyo during a tour stop, and Gaga through Los Angeles on her way to a recording session. The grand finale featured Gaga and her band performing “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” which will also be released as a standalone audio track.
The holiday caroling brings together classic seasonal songs and the artists’ chart-topping hits. Lipa serenades with “Sleigh Ride,” while Roan delivers a heartfelt rendition of Wham’s “Last Christmas.” Gaga brings the festive spirit with her iconic track “Christmas Tree,” infusing it with both wholesome and cheeky lyrics.
Roan’s segment struck an emotional chord as she toured her parents’ farm and discussed her upbringing in a conservative community. Her parents expressed overwhelming pride in her achievements, emphasizing their love and support for her identity and artistry. Roan shares her journey of accepting her sexuality, moving away from a feeling of shame rooted in her upbringing, and fostering an understanding dialogue within her community.
As the episode progresses, Lowe and Roan indulge in a fun pit stop at Andy’s Frozen Custard, where Roan jovially declares her preference for a custom sundae over a Grammy award.
The segment with Gaga features a surprise guest appearance from Brian Johnson of AC/DC, injecting a nostalgic twist into the fun. Gaga reminisces about her past in music and shares details from her new project with Bruno Mars, illustrating the collaborative spirit that thrives in the music industry.
Dua Lipa’s segment includes a charming moment where she reminisces about her youthful ambition to perform while shopping in Tokyo, where she sings a duet with Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” Lipa proudly notes that she incorporates this classic into her live performances.
This special epitomizes the joyous and heartfelt moments of the holiday season, showcasing the artists’ charisma and shared love for music and community. “A Very Carpool Karaoke Christmas” not only offers entertainment but also highlights themes of love, acceptance, and the joy of connection—making it a perfect addition to the Christmas festivities.