The Story Behind Amy Grant’s Meaningful Christmas Song “Grown-Up Christmas List”

If you’ve never heard Kelly Clarkson sing “Grown-Up Christmas List” before, then you’ve been missing out.

“Grown-Up Christmas List” is one of the most beloved Christmas songs from more modern times. While Amy Grant‘s version is most well-known, she was not the first to record the song.

David Foster wrote the music for “Grown-Up Christmas List,” and Linda Thompson-Jenner wrote the lyrics. Foster first recorded the song as a duet with Natalie Cole. Cole later recorded a solo version of the song, which appeared on Foster’s album River of Love.

Grant released her cover of “Grown-Up Christmas List” in 1992. It was featured as a track on her second Christmas album, Home for Christmas.

Grant wrote a unique second verse for her version of the song. As Grant told The Message in 2023, Foster was so impressed with her new verse, he offered to give her songwriting credit. But she declined his offer.

So far, Grant’s version of “Grown-Up Christmas List” has peaked at the 11th spot on the Christian Digital Song Sales chart. The song entered the chart every year from 2011-2020.

Hear Kelly Clarkson Perform “Grown-Up Christmas List” For “Kellyoke”

Since Grant released her recording, many other artists have covered “Grown-Up Christmas List.” One such artist is Kelly Clarkson.

Clarkson recorded the song for the 2003 collaborative album American Idol: Great Holiday Classics. Clarkson was named the first winner of American Idol the year prior.

She later performed her rendition of the song during the 2003 Jingle Ball Rock TV special.

In 2018, Clarkson was featured on Pentatonix‘s recording of the song, which they included on their album Christmas Is Here!

Then, in 2023, Clarkson covered “Grown-Up Christmas List” for the “Kellyoke” segment of The Kelly Clarkson Show. Her beautiful performance earned lots of praise from viewers, who commented:

“Her current live version is much better and her voice is richer, loved this performance.”

“Thank you Kelly, I’m such a huge fan of your live renditions. You’ve brought the Christmas spirit. Thank you.”

“Wow! A blessing to my ears. Thank you, Kelly. We love you so much, girl!”

“This song sounds better today than ever! Amazing.”

“I just heard this song on the radio yesterday when she sang it years ago, and to hear it again is just bliss!”

Watch Kelly Clarkson share her latest version of “Grown-Up Christmas List” in the video below. It’s a stunning holiday performance.