The Unexpected Duet: How Jason Kelce And Stevie Nicks' 'Maybe This Christmas' Conquered The Holiday Charts

The 2025 holiday season has delivered a musical pairing no one saw coming: retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce and Fleetwood Mac icon Stevie Nicks. Their collaborative cover of Ron Sexsmith's "Maybe This Christmas" has not only become the surprise hit of the year but, as of today, December 13, 2025, it has shattered streaming and sales records, even briefly unseating Mariah Carey’s long-reigning classic on the Christmas charts. The song is a standout track on the highly anticipated third and final installment of *A Philly Special Christmas* album trilogy, titled *A Philly Special Christmas Party*, cementing Kelce's unexpected second career as a holiday music powerhouse. This unlikely duet brings together the gritty, heartfelt spirit of Philadelphia football with the ethereal, timeless artistry of rock and roll royalty. The track, which was released on November 8, 2024, offers a deeply emotional and hopeful take on the holiday standard, showcasing a surprising vocal depth from Kelce alongside Nicks' signature haunting harmonies. The project’s success is amplified by its charitable mission, with all proceeds benefiting various Philadelphia-area organizations, adding a layer of goodwill to its chart-topping performance.

The Unlikely Duo: Stevie Nicks and Jason Kelce Biography & Background

The collaboration between a Super Bowl champion and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is a testament to the power of unexpected musical synergy. Their individual careers, though vastly different, both represent the pinnacle of their respective fields.

Stevie Nicks: The Queen of Rock and Roll

• Full Name: Stephanie Lynn Nicks
• Born: May 26, 1948 (Age 77 as of 2025)
• Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
• Primary Role: Singer, Songwriter, Musician
• Career Highlights: Two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (once with Fleetwood Mac, once as a solo artist). Known for her distinctive voice, poetic lyrics, and mystical stage persona.
• Iconic Songs: "Rhiannon," "Landslide," "Dreams" (with Fleetwood Mac), "Edge of Seventeen," "Stand Back," "Leather and Lace" (solo).
• Connection to Kelce Project: Her involvement brought a level of legendary gravitas to *A Philly Special Christmas Party*, elevating the album's profile globally.

Jason Kelce: The Legendary Center & Holiday Crooner

• Full Name: Jason Daniel Kelce
• Born: November 5, 1987 (Age 38 as of 2025)
• Hometown: Cleveland Heights, Ohio, U.S.
• Primary Role: Former NFL Player (Center) for the Philadelphia Eagles (2011–2023), Podcast Host.
• Career Highlights: Super Bowl LII Champion, six-time First-team All-Pro selection, seven-time Pro Bowl selection. Widely considered one of the greatest centers in NFL history.
• Musical Career: A founding member of "The Philly Specials," the group behind the charity Christmas albums. Known for his passionate, often viral, speeches and his surprisingly soulful singing voice.
• Connection to Nicks: The primary vocalist on the duet "Maybe This Christmas," demonstrating his post-retirement pivot into media and music.

The Making of 'Maybe This Christmas': From Ron Sexsmith to Chart-Topper

The song that brought this incredible pairing together is "Maybe This Christmas," a holiday track originally written and recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith in 2002. The song is known for its melancholic yet hopeful message, focusing on the deeper meaning of the season beyond commercialism. The decision by The Philly Specials—comprised of Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata—to cover this specific track was a stroke of genius. It provided the perfect emotional landscape for Kelce’s rugged, sincere vocal delivery to blend with Nicks’ ethereal, signature sound. The track was teased for weeks, building immense anticipation before its official release in early November. Upon release, the duet immediately resonated with listeners who appreciated its departure from the standard, overly cheerful holiday fare. The collaboration itself is rumored to have been facilitated through various connections within the music industry, and perhaps even through the extended Kelce network, given the family's ties to other high-profile musicians. The result is a beautifully arranged piece that respects the original while infusing it with a fresh, star-studded dynamic, instantly becoming a staple for the 2025 holiday playlist.

The Philly Specials Trilogy Finale: A Star-Studded 'Christmas Party'

"Maybe This Christmas" is the crown jewel of the final album in The Philly Specials' charitable Christmas music run, *A Philly Special Christmas Party*. This album, which was released on November 24, 2024, is the most ambitious project yet, featuring a roster of musical legends and Philadelphia icons. The album is a fitting conclusion to a trilogy that has raised millions of dollars for local charities.

Key Entities and Collaborators on the Album:

• Travis Kelce: Jason’s brother and Kansas City Chiefs star, who contributed vocals to the album, maintaining the Kelce family's musical tradition.
• Boyz II Men: The legendary R&B group from Philadelphia, adding their smooth harmonies to the mix.
• Devon Gilfillian: A talented contemporary soul and blues artist.
• Immanuel Wilkins: A rising star in the jazz world, adding instrumental depth.
• The Hooters (Eric Bazilian and Rob Hyman): Members of the iconic Philadelphia rock band.

The album features 12 tracks, including three original songs alongside classic holiday covers. The sheer star power and variety of genres—from rock and R&B to jazz and soul—ensure the album has broad appeal, which directly translates to its success in generating charitable funds. The project’s commitment to giving back to the Philadelphia community, particularly through organizations like the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, is the true heart of The Philly Specials’ mission.

Chart Success and Topical Authority: Jason Kelce's 'Queen of Christmas' Claim

The commercial and critical success of "Maybe This Christmas" has been nothing short of phenomenal. The song debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Top Christmas Songs chart and rapidly gained traction across all major streaming platforms. Its popularity was so immense that it even managed to briefly surpass Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" on certain charts, a feat that led to playful headlines and a humorous, temporary claim by Jason Kelce to the title of "Queen of Christmas." This chart victory is a significant marker of topical authority for the album. It shows that the project is not merely a novelty act by football players but a genuinely compelling musical work that can compete with established holiday classics. The LSI keywords associated with this success—*chart-topping duet*, *holiday music sensation*, *Mariah Carey rival*, and *charity album success*—all underscore the depth and impact of this unexpected collaboration. The combination of Stevie Nicks’ enduring legacy and Jason Kelce’s massive contemporary popularity (further fueled by the "Kelce brothers" and Taylor Swift connection) created a perfect storm for holiday musical dominance. The legacy of *A Philly Special Christmas Party*, and specifically the "Maybe This Christmas" duet, extends beyond the charts. It serves as a powerful reminder that the most compelling art often comes from the most unexpected places. Jason Kelce and Stevie Nicks have delivered a timeless holiday song that is both a charitable gift and a musical masterpiece, ensuring that The Philly Specials' final album will be remembered as one of the most successful and heartwarming Christmas music projects of the decade.

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