Get ready for a magical Christmas celebration as Idaho Public Television brings you the enchanting 2024 BYU-Idaho Christmas Concert! But here's where it gets controversial... Is it really necessary to air a 60-minute edited version of the concert? Well, that's for you to decide. In any case, the concert will be broadcast across the state on Idaho Public Television (IdahoPTV (https://www.idahoptv.org/) ) on Monday, December 22, at 8:00 p.m. MST and again on Wednesday, December 24, at 7:00 p.m. MST.
The 2024 concert features a special guest vocalist, Laura Osnes, alongside hundreds of students in the College of Performing and Visual Arts. Osnes, a celebrated actress and singer, is known for her stunning performances on Broadway, as well as her holiday specials on the Hallmark Channel. But this is the part most people miss... Osnes' career began with a bang when she won NBC's Grease: You're the One That I Want competition, securing the role of Sandy in the Broadway revival of Grease. Her performance was met with widespread acclaim, marking the beginning of a remarkable Broadway career. Osnes went on to play leading roles in iconic productions such as South Pacific, Anything Goes, Bonnie & Clyde (for which she earned a Tony Award nomination), Cinderella (another Tony nomination), and Bandstand.
In addition to her Broadway success, Osnes has also expanded her acting repertoire to television, starring in numerous Christmas specials on the Hallmark Channel, with several new projects set to premiere in the 2024 holiday season. Her captivating voice has been featured in live performances with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Live from Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center Honors. So, will you be tuning in to catch the magic? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Do you think the 60-minute edited version is necessary? Or do you prefer the full, unedited experience? Share your opinions and let's get the conversation going!