Good King Wenceslas, you’ve just been bumped.

Carrie Underwood, Sara Evans, LeAnn Rimes and seven other songbirds are teaming up with the king of rock ‘n’ roll—or his voice, anyway—for Elvis Presley Christmas Duets, due out Oct. 14.

This is the first time Presley will be getting the Nat King Cole treatment (minus his holographic performance with Celine Dion on American Idol) and Sony BMG must have figured that celebrating the Yuletide was a good way to ease fans into the idea: Elvis’ Christmas Album, from 1957, has sold more than 9 million copies, making it the top-selling Xmas album of all time.

In fact, Presley only recorded 20 holiday tunes, but his various compilations have accounted for more than 25 million albums sold.

And while this might not be everyone’s idea of how best to remember the hip-swiveling pop pioneer, Priscilla Presley, who still acts as an advisor to his estate, has extended her approval to the project.

“We are so pleased that these accomplished artists are collaborating with Elvis in this unique way to make exciting new versions of his Christmas songs,” said the actress, who was married to Presley for five and a half years before their divorce in 1973. “I am sure Elvis would be proud to have worked with them.”

In addition to Underwood, Evans and Rimes—who have Presley’s back on “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Silent Night” and “Here Comes Santa Clause,” respectively—the album features digital duets with Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson, Anne Murray, Amy Grant, Wynonna Judd and Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman.

According to the label, all the mash-ups were done in the landmark RCA Studio B in Nashville, where Presley recorded Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas in 1971.

Sample tracks will be available for preview Aug. 14.

Source

WENN