Irish singer songwriter Janet Devlin has launched a full length festive production titled My Little Christmas Special on her YouTube channel. The 45 minute performance was recorded live at George Ezra’s Hotel Québec Recording Studio in Hertford, UK, and brings together a blend of Devlin’s original Christmas songs, classic covers, and a lively duet of “Fairytale of New York” with collaborator Maddox Jones.

The special showcases Devlin’s warm vocals and spirited holiday style. Sensitive renditions of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and “White Christmas” sit alongside upbeat originals including “Christmas Kiss,” “Something Beginning With Christmas,” and the crowd engaging “Happy Holidays.” Maddox Jones also performs his 2024 Christmas single “It’s Christmas Time,” before joining Devlin for a boisterous take on the Pogues classic, prompting joyful sing alongs from the invited studio audience.

Devlin described the project as something she had hoped to create for a long time. She credited her label OKGood Records, her fans, and the musicians who joined her in the studio, including Marc Rapson on keys and her manager Rick, who returned to the drum kit for the occasion. “I had a blast and definitely left the studio feeling very festive,” she said. “Sharing the experience with Maddox was wonderful. He is such a beautiful soul and an exceptional writer.”

The release follows a strong year for Devlin. Her deluxe album Not My First Emotional Rodeo arrived in 2025 after she made major strides in the country music live scene. She is already confirmed for appearances in 2026 at Country Calling and In It Together Festival, with more dates expected soon. She also fronts a high profile holiday campaign for Galgorm Collection, which features her rendition of “Time After Time” in its 2025 Christmas film Christmas All Around. The campaign led to her cover appearance on the Ulster Tatler.

Devlin’s success has been building steadily. Her 2024 album Emotional Rodeo reached number one on the iTunes Country Chart, number four on the UK Official Country Artists Albums Chart, number five on the UK Official Indie Breakers Chart, and number twenty one on the UK Official Independent Albums Chart. Singles from the album held month long spots on the BBC Radio 2 B and C lists. She received coverage across major British and Irish outlets including Daily Express, Daily Mirror, Daily Mail, The Sun, OK!, Record Collector, The Irish Post, The Irish News, Wonderland, and others. Ahead of C2C Festival in 2025 she recorded a session for The Scott Mills Radio 2 Breakfast Show.

Actor Russell Crowe has continued to champion her talent after taking her on tour in the past, comparing her to Stevie Nicks and praising the blend of ethereal presence and direct delivery she brings to the stage.

Fans have also responded warmly to the new special. One admirer remarked that Devlin has a wonderful and underrated voice. Another said that the concert brought back memories and called her the best.

Devlin is currently at work on her next studio album and is set to enter 2026 with more country releases on the way. For now, My Little Christmas Special offers fans a festive celebration that captures both her musical range and her growing momentum.

I had a blast and definitely left the studio feeling very festive.

 

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and chief editor of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.