This holiday season, A Carpool Karaoke Christmas brings a fresh, star-studded twist to your festive viewing. Apple TV+ and Apple Music surprised fans with the unexpected release of the hour-long special on Sunday night, featuring superstar pop icons Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, and Chappell Roan. The Christmas-themed installment of the hit show Carpool Karaoke: The Series delivers a delightful mix of holiday cheer, behind-the-scenes moments, and heartwarming surprises that will have viewers singing along in no time.

The special marks a return of the beloved Carpool Karaoke franchise after a hiatus following its fifth season, and this holiday edition is packed with engaging moments. Zane Lowe, Apple Music’s global head of content, takes over as host for all three segments, leading the stars on a festive car ride across various cities. Lowe’s journey includes driving Roan around her hometown in Missouri, Lipa through Tokyo before her performance, and Gaga around Los Angeles on the way to a studio session.

The hour-long special is a nostalgic take on the classic Christmas variety show, but with a modern twist. Each celebrity is encouraged to sing along to Christmas classics and some of their own biggest hits. The car ride transforms into an impromptu concert as all three stars pass the crucial Carpool Karaoke test—belting out tunes with energy, style, and charisma.

Dua Lipa, known for her dynamic voice and stage presence, fills the car with joy as she takes on the iconic holiday track “Sleigh Ride” by The Ronettes. Her infectious enthusiasm is sure to get viewers tapping their feet. Meanwhile, Chappell Roan brings her unique flair to a rendition of “Last Christmas” by Wham, bringing fresh emotion to the familiar track.

Lady Gaga, ever the unpredictable star, surprises with a cheeky rendition of her own holiday hit “Christmas Tree”. Gaga, who tells Lowe she prefers “wholesome and sentimental” Christmas tunes, turns heads with her cheeky and sultry performance of the 2008 track. The song, blending the festive “Deck the Halls” with more daring lines like “underneath the mistletoe, everybody knows we will take off our clothes,” is a testament to Gaga’s ability to bring humor and edge to any holiday celebration.

Each segment of the show offers more than just performances. For instance, Roan’s segment provides a deeper look at her roots and the experiences that shaped her. The singer takes Lowe to her parents’ farm in Missouri, introducing him to her chicken named after Lady Gaga, before embarking on a heartwarming family sing-along. It’s a moment that strikes a chord with Roan’s parents, especially when they reflect on their daughter’s journey and the meaning behind her song “Pink Pony Club.”

In a particularly emotional moment, Roan opens up about her experiences growing up in a religious, conservative environment, sharing how it felt suffocating to be unable to express her true self. She reflects on the struggle of reconciling her identity with her faith, admitting that moving to Los Angeles allowed her to find the freedom she sought. “I’m so grateful I’m from here,” she says about Missouri. “But I understand the fear that comes from not knowing or understanding. It’s about conversation and not giving up on people who’ve been there for you.”

The atmosphere shifts to lighthearted fun when Roan and Lowe share a treat from Andy’s Frozen Custard. “I would literally rather have an Andy’s Frozen Custard custom than the Grammy,” she jokes, showcasing her down-to-earth charm.

Gaga’s segment is another standout moment, with an unexpected appearance by AC/DC’s Brian Johnson. After Gaga shares a funny story about being an extra in the Stiff Upper Lip video at the age of 17, Lowe surprises her by inviting Johnson into the car. Their chemistry is electric, and they reminisce about headbanging on set, leading to an impromptu performance of Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” before Gaga belts out her chart-topping “Die With a Smile.”

In the final segment, Lipa takes a more reflective approach, sharing a memorable Christmas shopping trip in Tokyo with Lowe. The two also reminisce about Lipa’s childhood when she joined Katy Perry on stage for a cover of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” “I want to perform, I want to do rooms like this,” Lipa recalls thinking at the time. Today, she ends every show with “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” a tribute to her past and present.

As the holiday season unfolds, A Carpool Karaoke Christmas provides an exciting and heartfelt blend of music, laughter, and vulnerability. The special is a unique experience, bringing fans closer to their favorite artists while celebrating the joy of Christmas in a way only Carpool Karaoke can. Whether you’re singing along with Gaga’s cheeky holiday hit or reflecting with Roan on her personal journey, this holiday special is sure to bring festive cheer to fans around the world.