Written by Jason Phillips
Allison Amber Hage is known for weaving her Lebanese-American heritage into evocative, emotionally rich pop, but her next release taps into something profoundly universal. On November 24, 2025, she unveiled a fresh, soulful take on “Grown-Up Christmas List,” merging the tenderness of Amy Grant’s version with the power of Kelly Clarkson’s interpretation, layered with the signature warmth and nuance that define her own artistry.
For Hage, choosing this song was instinctive. In a moment when the world feels divided and heavy, the message is a wish for peace, kindness, and real change, which resonated more deeply than ever. Her cover doesn’t lean on nostalgia alone; it carries a grounded emotionality that fits the times.
Hage’s musical voice has always come from a place of vulnerability and strength. After losing her home in the Creek Fire, she transformed that devastation into “Ashes,” a cinematic single that introduced her ability to turn tragedy into something haunting and healing. Over the years, she’s built her creative identity with intention as she blends culture, personal storytelling, and an aptitude for melodies that feel both classic and forward-thinking.
Her work across tracks like “Mabrouk” and “Timeless” showcased that range beautifully, from celebratory Arabic-infused pop to sweeping, timeless ballads meant to soundtrack life’s most emotional moments. And throughout it all, she has remained unapologetically hands-on: writing her own music, shaping her visuals, and steering every chapter of her artistic path.
This latest cover was brought to life with her longtime collaborator Marc E. Williams, whose production guidance helps shape the emotional core of the track. Williams, a seasoned producer known for his versatility and deep musical background, has become an essential creative partner for Hage. Together, they crafted an arrangement that honors the classic versions while elevating the song into something contemporary, intimate, and unmistakably theirs.
His influence adds a soulful polish, but it’s Hage’s voice that carries the emotional weight: soft in the quieter confessions, commanding when the message calls for strength.
Instead of treating this as a holiday standard, Hage approaches the song like a modern plea. The lyrics, once rooted in wishful seasonal sentiment, feel strikingly current. Her interpretation leans into that urgency, delivering a performance that’s hopeful but never naïve. Strings swell, the piano stays steady and honest, and her vocal delivery brings a quiet conviction that’s hard to shake.
It’s less about Christmas and more about collective longing. The kind that transcends any particular season.
Hage has never taken a conventional route. As an independent artist, she’s curated her digital presence with the care of a storyteller; every visual and every detail feels lived-in, intentional, and reflective of her heritage and identity. She’s building a legacy that extends beyond streaming numbers, one rooted in authenticity and emotional resonance.
Hage’s take on “Grown-Up Christmas List” isn’t just poised to become a holiday favorite, it’s a reminder of what music can do when it reaches for something bigger than the moment.
It’s a wish, a prayer, and a message wrapped into one, delivered by an artist who knows how to turn emotion into something lasting.
Listen to Allison Amber Hage on Spotify and follow her on Instagram to keep up with her next chapter.
