In a magical moment that captured the hearts of audiences across the UK, Text Santa 2014 featured an extraordinary performance of Fairytale of New York by a star-studded lineup: Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, Nicole Scherzinger, and comedian Dawn French. The festive special, which aimed to raise money for charity, brought together some of the UK’s most beloved stars for an unforgettable rendition of one of the most iconic Christmas songs of all time.

The Magic of Fairytale of New York

Originally by The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl, Fairytale of New York has become a holiday classic, with its melancholic yet uplifting story of love, loss, and hope set against the backdrop of Christmas in New York City. The song’s unique blend of wistful nostalgia and gritty realism has made it a favourite of many, and this performance brought a fresh twist to the well-loved track.

The Text Santa special provided the perfect setting for this unique collaboration, as it brought together a mix of pop, musical, and comedic talents, all of whom gave their own interpretation of the festive favourite.

The performance began with Gary Barlow, the Take That frontman and X Factor judge, who took on the role of the male vocalist in the duet, originally sung by Shane MacGowan. Barlow’s rich, soulful voice gave the opening verses of the song a warm, grounded feel, setting the stage for the others to join in.

Tulisa Contostavlos, former N-Dubz member and X Factor judge, brought her own powerful vocals to the performance, seamlessly taking on the role of the female vocalist, originally sung by Kirsty MacColl. Tulisa’s clear, emotive voice was a perfect fit for the track, delivering the iconic lines with passion and sincerity.

Nicole Scherzinger, known for her commanding stage presence and powerhouse vocals, joined in next, adding an extra layer of vocal richness to the song. As a member of The Pussycat Dolls and a solo artist, Scherzinger’s versatile voice gave a dramatic flair to the performance, elevating the intensity of the track.

The surprise addition to the lineup was comedian Dawn French, whose comedic timing and larger-than-life personality added a fun, unexpected element to the performance. Known for her roles in French and Saunders and The Vicar of Dibley, French took on the role of the spoken word section of the song, bringing a unique and humorous twist that had audiences laughing and cheering.

What made this performance particularly special was the delightful blend of music and comedy. While Barlow, Tulisa, and Scherzinger delivered powerful and heartfelt renditions of the song’s key vocal lines, Dawn French’s inclusion added a refreshing and lighthearted element to the performance. Her witty and engaging delivery of the spoken parts of Fairytale of New York had the audience in stitches, showing the versatility of the Text Santa special in blending heartfelt moments with humor.

The camaraderie between the performers was evident, as they all shared in the joy of the moment. Their different musical styles and backgrounds came together seamlessly, proving that music has the unique ability to bring people from all walks of life together in a shared experience.