When it comes to unforgettable holiday music, Carrie Underwood has already secured her place in the hearts of fans worldwide. Known for her powerhouse vocals, her emotional delivery, and her deep connection with her songs, the country superstar has been shaping the soundtrack of American life ever since she won American Idol back in 2005. Over the years, she has collected numerous Grammy Awards, hit singles, and sold-out tours, but perhaps one of the most cherished highlights of her career didn’t happen in an arena full of thousands. Instead, it took place in a recording booth, shared with her young son Isaiah, as they sang the beloved Christmas classic “Little Drummer Boy” together.

In 2020, Underwood released her first full-length Christmas album, My Gift, a project she described as a long-time dream finally coming true. For years, fans had asked her when she would record a holiday record, and with the stillness of the pandemic giving her time at home, the singer devoted herself to creating an album that reflected her faith, her love for traditional carols, and her desire to bring comfort during a difficult year. The album included standards such as “Silent Night,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and a showstopping duet with John Legend on “Hallelujah.” Yet it was “Little Drummer Boy” that captured the spotlight in a different way—not because of its grandeur, but because of its intimacy.

Underwood made the inspired decision to invite her then-6-year-old son, Isaiah Michael Fisher, to join her on the track. The idea was more than just sweet; it was deeply symbolic. The carol tells the story of a young boy who has nothing to give the baby Jesus except his drumming, a humble yet heartfelt gift. Having a child’s voice deliver those words brought the story to life in a way no seasoned performer could replicate.

In a behind-the-scenes video released at the time, Underwood spoke candidly about why the song held such a special place in her heart. “Little Drummer Boy is one of my favorite Christmas songs,” she explained, her voice full of emotion. “I wanted to make it extra special this year, so I asked my very special duet partner to join me.” That “special partner,” of course, was Isaiah, who nervously but sweetly took his place at the microphone.

The result was nothing short of magical. While Underwood’s voice soared with its usual clarity and strength, Isaiah’s tender and slightly shy tone added a dimension that melted hearts. It wasn’t about perfection—it was about authenticity, about the beauty of a mother and child sharing a moment of music that reflected love, faith, and family. Fans who watched the performance or listened to the recording could feel that bond. Many commented online that Isaiah’s voice gave them chills, while others said it brought tears to their eyes.

For Underwood, the duet was more than a track on an album—it was a memory preserved forever. “If nothing else, I’ll have this for the rest of my life,” she said. “It’s the perfect piece of the puzzle for this album.” Anyone who has ever saved a child’s drawing, recorded a bedtime song, or taken a family holiday photo could relate to that sentiment. Music, in this case, became a family heirloom.

Interestingly, Isaiah seems to have inherited his mother’s love of singing and performing. Though still young, he has been known to hum along during car rides and occasionally join his mom in singing around the house. Underwood has said that while she has no plans to push him into show business, she encourages his creativity and enjoys watching him discover the joy of music. For fans who have followed Underwood’s journey from a small-town girl in Oklahoma to global superstar, seeing her share the stage—literal or metaphorical—with her son feels like a full-circle moment.

My Gift debuted at the top of Billboard’s Top Holiday Albums chart and received widespread acclaim for its heartfelt sincerity. Critics praised Underwood for balancing her signature vocal fireworks with quiet, reverent moments, and the inclusion of Isaiah was often singled out as one of the album’s highlights. In a year when many families were separated due to the pandemic, hearing a mother and son sing together carried even greater emotional weight.

The official video of “Little Drummer Boy” featuring Underwood and Isaiah only amplified that warmth. Set against a backdrop of twinkling lights and festive decorations, the video shows Carrie looking at her son with unmistakable pride as he delivers his lines. It’s not just about showcasing talent—it’s about showing love. The clip quickly went viral, with fans calling it one of the most moving Christmas performances they had ever seen.

Looking back, the duet also underscores something deeper about Carrie Underwood’s artistry. For all her fame, accolades, and success, she has never lost sight of the things that matter most: faith, family, and authenticity. Sharing the microphone with Isaiah wasn’t a publicity stunt; it was a genuine act of inclusion, of inviting her son into her world in a way that was both personal and public. It’s rare in the entertainment industry to find moments that feel unfiltered and real, but this was one of them.

For Isaiah, the memory will likely grow even more meaningful as he gets older. Imagine, years from now, being able to play back a professional recording of yourself at age six, singing alongside one of the greatest voices of your generation—your own mother. That’s not just a holiday memory; that’s a priceless family treasure.

As the holiday season rolls around each year, fans return to Carrie Underwood’s My Gift for its blend of traditional reverence and contemporary polish. And every time “Little Drummer Boy” begins, with the tender tones of Isaiah leading into his mother’s soaring harmonies, listeners are reminded that Christmas isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s about gathering, sharing, and cherishing the people we love most.

Carrie Underwood has given the world many gifts through her music. But with “Little Drummer Boy,” she gave herself, her family, and her fans something beyond the charts or the accolades: a glimpse of love in its purest form.