The Greatest Gift Ever: KriSean Woods Opens Up About His Holiday Sound & Evolution
1. Walking into FOX Studios this year, what energy did you bring, and what did you want viewers to feel the moment the music hit?
This year I walked into FOX with a sense of peace but also genuine excitement. I really wanted viewers to feel joy immediately, that moment when the holiday spirit finally kick in. My goal was to create an energy that felt warm, uplifting, and familiar, almost like stepping into a room filled with good memories, good music, and good people.
Paul Milliken
2. Your Christmas records The Greatest Gift Ever and Tis the Season have become fan favorites. What inspired the storytelling and emotion behind them?
Both songs came from real moments in my life. “The Greatest Gift Ever” is rooted in appreciating the people who make the holidays meaningful, regardless of what’s under the tree. “’Tis the Season” brings that playful, festive, feel-good energy we all look forward to. I wanted to create music that feels timeless — something you want to come back to every year and eventually pass down as part of your own traditions.
3. You released these tracks independently under The Woods Production. How has full creative control elevated your artistry and your voice?
Going independent has been empowering. Having full creative control means I get to shape the vision from start to finish, how it sounds, how it looks, how it’s shared. It’s made me trust my instincts more, and it’s allowed me to connect with listeners in a very genuine, intentional way. That freedom has strengthened my voice as an artist and helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect.
4. This performance felt bigger, cleaner, and more intentional. What went into the styling, preparation, and mindset behind this year’s taping?
I wanted everything this year to feel polished while still staying true to who I am. From the styling to the stage setup, I focused on showing growth. I spent time preparing vocally, mentally, and visually because I wanted viewers to see that I’m leveling up. Even the small details mattered. I approached this performance like I was stepping into the next phase of my career, and I wanted that evolution to be clear on screen.
5. As you look toward 2026, what chapter are you stepping into, musically, personally, and creatively, and what do you hope fans take from your holiday performances this season?
2026 feels like a chapter of expansion for me. Musically, I’m ready to explore new sounds and show different sides of myself. Personally, I’m focused on growth and being intentional with every decision I make. Creatively, I’m stepping into a space where I’m unafraid to take risks and elevate everything I touch. I hope people watching my holiday performances can feel that shift, and I hope it inspires them to step into their own joy, purpose, and evolution.
KriSean Woods & Justin Douglas