A Rosie Christmas
Talk about a Christmas fantasy come true for our girl Rosie! The big-mouthed comedian and popular talk-show host gets to sing with some of the biggest names in the music industry, from the pop divasCher,Celine Dion,Lauryn Hill, andElton Johnto cartoon superstars Elmo (Sesame Street) and Angelica Pickle (Rugrats). In between there'sBilly Joel,Donny Osmond,Rosemary Clooney,Savage Garden's Darren Hayes,'N Sync, country-rockerTrisha Yearwood,Gloria Estefan(doing one of the funnier numbers, "Gonna Eat for Christmas"), and Billy Porter's solo version of "O Holy Night." Although O'Donnell sometimes gets lost in the mix (who wouldn't with this daunting talent lineup?), she's usually at her warbled best with the folks she can cut up with the most: Pickles, Osmond, Estefan, and Clooney. With arrangements that embrace mainstream pop, Dixieland swing, country, and R&B;/hip-hop, O'Donnell and company have more fun than a bunch of professionals should legally be allowed to have in one place--and all for a good cause: proceeds benefit the For All Kids Foundation.--Martin Keller