Ashley McBryde – “You’re A Mean One, Mr Grinch”
The 14th Annual CMA Country Christmas special, filmed in Nashville and airing on ABC before streaming on Hulu and Disney+, treated viewers to a lineup of festive performances. Hosted by country icons Amy Grant and Trisha Yearwood, the show featured artists such as Jordan Davis, Lady A, Jon Pardi and The War and Treaty. Among the highlights was Ashley McBryde teaming up with violinist Lindsey Stirling for a playful rendition of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
A Jazzy Classic Reimagined
“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” was originally written by Dr. Seuss and composer Albert Hague for the 1966 animated adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Known for its jazzy melodies and colourful insults, the song has become a holiday staple. In this reimagined performance, Stirling opened with a dynamic violin introduction while dancers in lime green costumes evoked the Grinch’s mischievous spirit. After the instrumental build, Ashley McBryde walked onstage in a red off-the-shoulder jumpsuit and delivered the song’s witty lyrics with her powerful voice. The combination of Stirling’s electrifying violin and McBryde’s soulful vocals turned the beloved tune into a show-stopping moment.
About CMA Country Christmas
CMA Country Christmas debuted in 2010 as an annual holiday concert broadcast. The 2023 edition marked its fourteenth year, filmed at Nashville’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts and decorated in partnership with a premium holiday décor brand. The special is produced by Robert Deaton, directed by Milton Sneed and written by Jon Macks. This year’s programme also featured Grant and Yearwood performing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” Jordan Davis’s version of “O Come All Ye Faithful” and collaborations such as Zach Williams and Lainey Wilson singing “Go Tell It On The Mountain.”
Ashley McBryde: Award Winning Storyteller
Ashley McBryde has built a reputation as one of country music’s most authentic voices. The Arkansas born singer-songwriter rose to prominence with her debut single “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega” and has since released acclaimed albums like Girl Going Nowhere and Never Will. McBryde has earned a Grammy Award, multiple ACM Awards and a CMA Award and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2022. Her ability to blend rock, bluegrass and country influences has garnered critical praise and a devoted fan base.
Honouring Family and Heritage
In 2023 McBryde released the song “Light On In The Kitchen,” inspired by advice from her mother and aunts. She later announced the Light On Fund, a charitable initiative supporting veterans’ mental health, creative arts rehabilitation and foster care programmes. This community focused mindset permeates her performances, lending warmth and sincerity to even the most whimsical material.
Lindsey Stirling: The Dancing Violinist
Violinist and dancer Lindsey Stirling became a global star by blending classical training with electronic beats and choreographed performances. Her YouTube channel, launched in 2011, propelled her to viral fame and led to chart topping albums such as Shatter Me. Stirling’s combination of dance and virtuosic violin playing has earned her millions of followers and collaborations with artists across genres. In addition to accompanying artists during the CMA special, Stirling brought her signature flair to “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
A Collaboration That Stole the Show
Ashley McBryde’s collaboration with Lindsey Stirling demonstrated how country storytelling and modern crossover artistry can intersect. McBryde’s rich voice grounded the playful lyrics while Stirling’s violin added energy and theatricality. The staging, complete with dancers, festive costumes and glittering décor, captured the spirit of the holidays. Fans praised the performance for its creativity and chemistry, noting that it stood out among the night’s musical offerings.
How to Watch
CMA Country Christmas aired on ABC and is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+. Viewers can revisit Ashley McBryde and Lindsey Stirling’s unforgettable rendition of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” alongside other performances from the holiday special. For more information about CMA Country Christmas and upcoming events, visit the Country Music Association’s official outlets.