(Fox)
Jussie Smollett performed “Little Drummer Boy” on “Taraji’s White Hot Holidays,” which aired on Thursday. Watch below!
“Taraji’s White Hot Holidays” is the 2016 version of “Taraji And Terrence’s White Hot Holidays.” This year’s special had Taraji P. Henson as the sole host, instead of the “Empire” star sharing emceeing duties with Terrence Howard. Joining her once again as a musical guest was co-star Smollett.
The actor and singer took the stage to perform his interpretation of “Little Drummer Boy,” which was heavily modernized. While Smollett kept the typical melody for the verses, he included a dance break that was given extra beat by a group of drummers. And with flashing lights and a pulsating EDM sound, this was not a traditional Christmas performance.
Of course, Smollett shows off his vocal chops on almost every episode of “Empire.” This season, that’s included duets with guest star Mariah Carey, as well as Bryshere Y. Gray (a.k.a Yazz The Greatest), who plays his on-screen brother. And just last week, Smollett’s character Jamal gave a heartfelt performance of a moving song called “Mama” that was inspired by Henson’s Cookie, the matriarch of the family.
Other performers on this year’s “White Hot Holidays” included another “Empire” face, Taye Diggs, as well as TLC and Snoop Dogg. Check out full video of Smollett performing “Little Drummer Boy” below!