Il Volo created a memorable holiday moment when they teamed up with Jackie Evancho for a live performance of “The Little Drummer Boy” on TODAY. Evancho, who rose to fame as a finalist on America’s Got Talent, joined the Italian trio—Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble—for a fresh and emotional take on the classic Christmas song. The performance aired during the holiday season and was later included as part of Evancho’s seventh studio album, Someday at Christmas.
From the first notes, the blend of voices stood out. Evancho’s pure soprano floated gently over Il Volo’s powerful classical-pop harmonies, creating a balance that felt both grand and intimate. Rather than overpowering one another, the four singers gave each voice space to shine, building the song slowly before coming together in a strong and moving finale. Many viewers described the moment as “chilling” and said it felt like listening to angels sing.
The reaction from fans was immediate and emotional. Longtime Il Volo listeners praised the trio’s growth and maturity, while Evancho’s supporters applauded how beautifully her voice matched theirs. Comments poured in calling the performance “beautiful,” “perfect,” and “goosebump-inducing.” Some fans said they had hoped for years that Evancho and Il Volo would sing together, noting that they were close in age and shared a similar musical level. Others said it became their favorite track on Evancho’s Christmas album.
The collaboration also highlighted why all four artists earned early fame. Il Volo, first brought together during an Italian talent show, have long been praised for their strong vocals and classical roots. Evancho, who became known worldwide as a child prodigy, showed confidence and grace as she stood alongside the trio on a major live television stage.
What to know about “Little Drummer Boy”
Originally titled “Carol of the Drum,” the song was composed in 1941 by Katherine Kennicott Davis and first recorded a decade later by the Trapp Family Singers, the family singing group whose lives were the inspiration for the hit musical The Sound of Music.
The song tells the story of a young boy who sees the Star of Bethlehem and travels to visit a newborn Jesus. Not having a gift for the infant, he plays his drum, which pleases the baby and his mother, Mary.
It’s become synonymous with the Christmas holiday, and countless artists have covered the song over the years, including Frank Sinatra, Justin Bieber, and Pentatonix (among many others).
Of course, fans of The Office will forever link “Little Drummer Boy” to Rainn Wilson’s Dwight Shrute and his fascination with the iconic song.
