Cher, Keke Palmer, Barry Manilow and More to Perform at NBC's 2023 'Christmas in Rockefeller Center' (Exclusive)

The annual tree lighting celebration, hosted by Kelly Clarkson, airs live from New York City on Nov. 29

Cher, Keke Palmer, Barry Manilow
Cher, Keke Palmer, Barry Manilow. Photo:

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic, Raymond Hall/GC Images, Bruce Glikas/Getty

It's almost time to light the famous Christmas tree in New York City's Rockefeller Center.

Later this month, NBC will celebrate the tree lighting with its annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center special on Nov. 29, and PEOPLE can exclusively reveal the star-studded performance lineup.

Chloe Bailey, Adam Blackstone, Keke Palmer, Cher, David Foster, Katharine McPhee, Liz Gillies, Darlene Love, Seth MacFarlane, Barry Manilow, Carly Pearce and Manuel Turizo will each take the stage throughout the two-hour event.

Katharine McPhee and David Foster attend the 22nd Annual "Christmas At The Grove" Tree Lighting Celebration
Katharine McPhee and David Foster.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Performing duets are Foster and McPhee (who released the joint album Christmas Songs last year) plus Gillies and MacFarlane (who released the joint album We Wish You the Merriest earlier this month) as well as Blackstone and Palmer (who released the joint single "Christmas Kisses" earlier this month).

Additionally, Cher will deliver both a solo performance and sing a duet with Love — likely "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," which they recently recorded together for Cher's new Christmas album.

Finally, it wouldn't be Christmas in Rockefeller Center without the Rockettes! The iconic dance company, known for the annual Christmas Spectacular show held at Radio City Music Hall, will perform a number during the broadcast.

2019 Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes Opening Night
The Rockettes. Steven Ferdman/Getty

As previously announced, Kelly Clarkson will act as the night's host and perform hits from her holiday catalog, while Today anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker and Craig Melvin will make special appearances.

"I’m so excited to consider this city and Rockefeller Center my new home," said Clarkson in a statement upon the announcement. "I can’t imagine a better way to kick off Christmas this year than to be a part of this beautiful New York tradition with the lighting of the tree!”

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Kelly Clarkson rehearses for the 2020 Christmas in Rockefeller Center
Kelly Clarkson.

Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

NBCUniversal Media Group's executive vice president of live events and specials, Jen Neal, also said in a statement at the time, "The lighting of that magnificent tree at Rockefeller Center is one of the true joys of the holiday season and to have Kelly both host and perform feels like we’re getting our Christmas presents early this year."

The famous Christmas tree in question? An 80-foot tall, 43-foot wide Norway Spruce from Vestal, New York — that weighs about 12 tons and will feature more than 50,000 multi-colored LED lights as well as a three-dimensional Swarovski star covered in 3 million crystals.

Christmas in Rockefeller Center will air live Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, and the event will be simultaneously broadcasted on Peacock.

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