After decades crafting chart-topping hits for pop\u2019s biggest names, GRAMMY-nominated, Diamond-certified songwriter Toby Gad<\/a><\/strong> is stepping into the spotlight himself this holiday season. The Blast can exclusively reveal that Gad will release his first-ever Christmas album, “Piano Diaries \u2013 Christmas,” via Kite Records, alongside the world premiere teaser for the music video \u201cFeels Like Hallelujah\u201d featuring British star Megan McKenna<\/a><\/strong>. For years, Toby Gad has been the creative force behind some of pop\u2019s most defining moments, including John Legend<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s \u201cAll of Me,\u201d Beyonc\u00e9<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s \u201cIf I Were a Boy,\u201d and Fergie<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s \u201cBig Girls Don\u2019t Cry,” songs that have not only dominated charts but defined eras. Now, the prolific songwriter turns inward with “Piano Diaries \u2013 Christmas,” a deeply personal project that transforms his piano bench into a confessional. The twelve-track album captures the warmth, nostalgia, and intimacy of the season through all-original compositions performed by a powerhouse lineup of world-class vocalists.<\/p>\n Image courtesy of Toby Gad<\/p>\n Each song was crafted in collaboration with its featured artist, creating what Gad calls a \u201cmodern holiday songbook.\u201d Contributors include Jordin Sparks<\/a><\/strong>, Victoria Justice<\/a><\/strong>, Loren Allred, Megan McKenna, “The Voice” winner Huntley, “X Factor” champion Louisa Johnson, and more, each sharing their own Christmas story through Gad\u2019s elegant piano and orchestral arrangements.<\/p>\n \u201cYou could say I used to be a bit of a Grinch,\u201d Gad admitted to The Blast. \u201cBut my daughters convinced me this time of year really is magical. I wanted to make a Christmas album that feels timeless, like musical diary entries you can return to every year.\u201d<\/p>\n Image courtesy of Toby Gad<\/p>\n The album\u2019s strength lies in its balance of emotion and elegance. Jordin Sparks\u2019 \u201cChristmas Takes Me Back Home\u201d and Huntley\u2019s \u201cMama Made Christmas\u201d honor family traditions, while Megan McKenna\u2019s \u201cFeels Like Hallelujah\u201d and Anthony Gargiula\u2019s \u201cFall in Love with Christmas\u201d capture pure joy.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Victoria Justice\u2019s \u201cBlessed\u201d and Dionne Bromfield\u2019s \u201cChristmas For One\u201d bring soulful introspection, painting the season in shades of love, loss, and renewal.<\/p>\n \u201cI was more of a listener than a writer this time,\u201d Gad explained. \u201cEvery song began with a story. Jordin shared how motherhood changed her view of Christmas, Loren talked about the magic of childhood. Huntley wrote about a make-believe holiday with his mom. Those emotions became melodies.\u201d<\/p>\n MEGA<\/p>\n Accompanying the album\u2019s release is the exclusive teaser for the official \u201cFeels Like Hallelujah\u201d music video, performed by Megan McKenna, winner of “Celeb X.” The full video is set to debut later this month.<\/p>\n The song, a cinematic, gospel-tinged anthem of joy and gratitude, serves as one of the album\u2019s emotional centerpieces. McKenna\u2019s soaring vocals blend with Gad\u2019s signature piano-driven arrangements to create a track that feels both classic and contemporary.<\/p>\n Image courtesy of Toby Gad<\/p>\n With over 400 released songs and 19 billion streams worldwide, Gad\u2019s impact on modern music is undeniable. His catalog includes 17 Top 10 hits, collaborations with Madonna<\/a><\/strong>, Demi Lovato<\/a><\/strong>, Alicia Keys<\/a><\/strong>, The Jonas Brothers<\/a><\/strong>, and Kelly Clarkson<\/a><\/strong>, and two ASCAP Pop Song of the Year honors. But for Gad, “Piano Diaries \u2013 Christmas” represents something more than a career milestone. It\u2019s a return to simplicity.<\/p>\n \u201cThis album wasn\u2019t about chasing hits,\u201d he told The Blast. \u201cIt was about friendship, connection, and turning genuine Christmas memories into music. I want this album to be the soundtrack to real moments, a candlelit dinner, a quiet night by the tree, or a nostalgic drive. It\u2019s about emotion, honesty, and rediscovering the magic in the familiar.\u201d<\/p>\n Image courtesy of Toby Gad<\/p>\n “Piano Diaries – Christmas” tracklist includes:<\/p>\n Joelle James \u2013 \u201cKiss Me for Christmas\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Loren Allred \u2013 \u201cWhat a Wonderful Night\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Huntley \u2013 \u201cMama Made Christmas\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Sam Ryder – \u201cHoly Night\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Megan McKenna \u2013 \u201cFeels Like Hallelujah\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Gavin James \u2013 \u201cWe\u2019ve Really Loved Someone\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Louisa Johnson \u2013 \u201cFollow the Stars\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Victoria Justice \u2013 \u201cBlessed\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Jordin Sparks \u2013 \u201cChristmas Takes Me Back Home\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\nToby Gad Turns Christmas Memories Into A \u2018Modern Holiday Songbook\u2019<\/h2>\n
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Gad\u2019s \u2018Christmas Piano Diaries\u2019 Finds Beauty In Every Emotion Of The Season<\/h2>\n
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Megan McKenna\u2019s ‘Feels Like Hallelujah’ Captures The Spirit Of The Season With Toby Gad\u2019s Signature Touch<\/h2>\n
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Gad Finds Meaning Beyond The Charts With His First Holiday Album<\/h2>\n
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Toby Gad\u2019s \u2018Piano Diaries \u2013 Christmas\u2019 Delivers A Star-Studded Holiday Soundtrack<\/h2>\n
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