Type: TV Special
first airdate: 7 December 1999
broadcaster: TNN
Production
country:
US
Duration: 45 mins

Olivia was the special guest on Kenny's Christmas Special. The Special, to showcase Kenny's Christmas CD December, also featured country singer Clint Black, his wife actress Lisa Hartman Black; producer/musician David Foster and Kenny's wife Julia.

The special began with a medley of songs around David Foster's piano including Silver Bells during which Olivia performed an outstanding solo. Olivia explained that she'd never heard Silver Bells until she came to America in 1974 to perform on Bob Hope's Christmas special, she had to learn it for the show.

The Special featured snippets from the guests on their thoughts about Christmas and life in general. Olivia, as so typical of her positive outlook on life, reminded us that Christmas is a time to give thanks for what you have in life. Having recovered from breast cancer Christmas time is extra special for Olivia, she's so very thankful to have made another Christmas.

A nice touch was when Kenny's guests sat around in a living room setting to share their memories of Christmas. Olivia shared her memory of the time she was living in England in the countryside. She'd invited friends over for Christmas lunch and one of them brought their mother who hadn't before travelled outside Australia. It started snowing and the startled Aussie mother said, "oh look it's snowing out front", and then she turned around and was even more startled to discover that, "it's snowing out the back as well!"

The highlight of the special was Olivia's solo of Silent Night performed live in the studio. Olivia wore an elegant off the shoulder, full length plum purple dress. This was sung to perfection, a song made for Olivia to perform!

In a rare moment Olivia spoke of her spiritual beliefs, she's very open to all beliefs. The story of the birth of Jesus is a very special story for Olivia - a birth of innocence and beauty. She thinks Christmas is a time for family particularly for those who don't believe in Jesus and that it's a time for thanks. Unfortunately, the show's editing cut Olivia short during this most interesting insight.

The show ended with Kenny, Olivia and Clint singing Kenny's favourite song "Celebrate Me Home".

with Kenny and Clint with Kenny, Clint and David Foster at piano with Kenny with Lisa and Clint Black Silent Night Remembering Christmas Silent Night

Songs Performed (live)

  1. Let It Snow (with Kenny and Clint)
  2. White Christmas (with Kenny and Clint)
  3. Winter Wonderland (with Kenny and Clint)
  4. Silver Bells (with Kenny and Clint)
  5. Have yourself a merry little Christmas (with Kenny)
  6. Silent Night
  7. Celebrate Me Home (with Kenny and Clint)

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