Tiera Kennedy's "Evergreen": A New Holiday Classic from Country's Rising Star

With her holiday two-pack Evergreen, Tiera Kennedy proves she’s here to leave a lasting mark on country music—and our holiday playlists. Known for her smoky, intoxicating voice and the rare ability to seamlessly blend country, R&B, and pop, Tiera has crafted a gift to her fans that’s bound to be a holiday staple for years to come. Her renditions in this collection sparkle with the warmth, nostalgia, and soulfulness of a crackling fireplace, and her unique twist on seasonal classics feels like a fresh breeze through frosted evergreens.

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First, she breathes new life into the beloved "Auld Lang Syne", a Scottish tune that's been a longstanding New Year’s favorite. Tiera approaches the song with both reverence and creativity, taking it beyond the expected. Her vocals are like silk here, effortlessly capturing both the wistful longing and warmth that the song embodies. She keeps the arrangement timeless but lets her voice soar, imbuing each phrase with a feeling that lands right in the heart. Her rich, sustained notes elevate the melody, while her unexpected, soulful runs add a layer of modernity and grace. This version of "Auld Lang Syne" becomes a heartfelt farewell to the old year and a hopeful embrace of the new, embodying the spirit of reflection that defines the season. It’s a performance that feels like an invitation to gather close with loved ones and remember, leaving listeners feeling both introspective and comforted.

Her original holiday song, "Evergreen", is equally moving and fresh, bridging past and present with a clever blend of old-school country sensibility and smooth R&B tones. Here, Tiera channels the warmth of timeless country storytelling with lyrics that speak to the idea of holiday memories being “evergreen,” just as vivid and enduring as when they were first made. Her voice, bright yet soulful, captures the joy of revisiting these memories year after year. The lyrics are clever, reminding us how seasonal traditions come and go, yet their magic lingers on in memory. Her vocal delivery on Evergreen is nothing short of angelic, but it’s grounded in an emotional honesty that feels genuine—she sings as if she’s sharing a secret about Christmas that only she knows, making the listener feel truly seen and invited into the story.

“The Christmas project ‘Evergreen’ is about the things that mean the most to me in life which are the people around me and the memories we make together,” shares Kennedy in a press release. “Material things don't last but the people around you and the memories you make do. I wanted to round this EP out with a cover of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ celebrating the beauty this year has been and the friendships I've created within that. There's a special energy around Christmas that makes you want to turn on the fireplace, grab some hot chocolate, and cozy up and celebrate life with friends and family so I hope people feel that when they listen to this project.” 

What makes Evergreen exceptional is Tiera’s ability to blend multiple genres without losing the heart of the holiday. Her R&B influences bring a certain rhythmic sophistication to the track, while the country elements ground it in nostalgia and simplicity, making it feel timeless. This seamless blend of musical influences speaks to her skill as an artist, showcasing both technical ability and creative vision. In a genre as tradition-heavy as holiday music, Tiera finds a way to stay true to the classic spirit of Christmas while making the music entirely her own.

Evergreen as a two-pack feels like a heartfelt invitation to enjoy the magic of the holiday season alongside one of country’s most promising new voices. Both songs are anchored by the warmth, joy, and sense of reflection that define the holidays, but Tiera's modern twist and heartfelt storytelling elevate them to a place where they’re likely to stay relevant for years to come. The future of country music may be unpredictable, but one thing is clear: with her talent, vision, and unmistakable voice, Tiera Kennedy is a star whose presence will be felt each Christmas season—an evergreen tradition of her own making.