'CMA Country Christmas' 2019: For King & Country's rendition of 'The Little Drummer Boy' has fans convinced it's the best Christmas song

Formerly known as Joel & Luke, For King & Country, is a Nashville-based band comprising of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone.
UPDATED FEB 5, 2020
Joel Smallbone and Luke Smallbone of For King & Country (Source : Getty Images)
Joel Smallbone and Luke Smallbone of For King & Country (Source : Getty Images)

Before the 'CMA Country Christmas' special tonight on ABC, many viewers may not have been big fans of the Australian Christian pop duo known as For King & Country or 'The Little Drummer Boy'. However, the Australian group's drum-infused performance may have changed that after tonight.

Formerly known as Joel & Luke, For King & Country, is a Nashville-based band comprising of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone. During the event tonight, hosted by Trisha Yearwood who opened the night, followed by performances from Lady Antebellum, Chris Janson, and Kristen Chenoweth to name a few, For King & Country performed on a stage filled with drums.

Fans loved the performance with the rendition convincing some viewers to continue watching the show. One viewer wrote, "I don’t know much about #ofkingandcountry, but they just killed it on #CMACountryChristmas #littledrummerboy #drums."

One viewer tweeted, "I never really liked the song Little Drummer Boy, that is until I heard @4kingandcountry play their version. #CMACountryChristmas."

Another added, "Little drummer boy is my least favorite Christmas song...but For King & Country just made me like it. #CMACountryChristmas."

Will later performances be able to top For King & Country's performance? Viewers don't think so. One viewer wrote, "Listen CMA Christmas ima let you finish but #ForKingandCountry won the show. #CMACountryChristmas." A fan added, "Channel surfing and I just saw the most creative, amazing rendition of "Little Drummer Boy" I've ever seen on "CMA Country Christmas. Mind blown."

A viewer danced along, writing, "@4kingandcountry I love ur version of the Little Drummer Boy. A pure blessing on the #CMACountryChristmas....was playing my air drums while dancing around in bare feet....it brings a smile to my face every time I play it in the car."

For viewers who are worried that they missed the performance, not to worry. For King & Country has performed the song before and a video of the previous performance is available to watch online.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The 2026 Producers Guild Awards saw ‘One Battle After Another’ take the top prize, while ‘The Pitt’ and ‘The Studio’ scored major TV wins
58 minutes ago
‘One Piece’ Season 2 finale reveals Sir Crocodile as the mastermind behind Baroque Works, setting up the explosive Alabasta war for Season 3
1 hour ago
Nicole Kidman will reprise her role as Kay Scarpetta as Prime Video moves forward with Season 2 production.
1 hour ago
Disney’s ‘Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special’ preview reunites Miley Cyrus with Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus ahead of its premiere
5 hours ago
'Silo' Season 3 will pull material from two books in Hugh Howey's trilogy: ‘Shift’ and ‘Dust’
7 hours ago
Season 5 of 'Dark Winds' is expected to premiere next year in between June and July, as four episodes remain in Season 4.
16 hours ago
Abdul-Mateen II stars as John Creasy, a former US Special Forces operative who is forced to reconcile with his past demons in 'Man of Fire.'
16 hours ago
‘One Piece’ Season 2 sparks buzz around Ace as Netflix confirms a major casting update and plans for the fan-favorite character’s future.
20 hours ago
Netflix’s ‘One Piece’ continues to expand its world, hinting at larger arcs and dangerous battles for Luffy and his crew.
21 hours ago
The third installment of the series features Kitty in her senior year of high school as she prepares for college
1 day ago