The Definitive Top Ten Renditions of 'O Holy Night'

In the annals of Christmas music, one song stands out. In the holiday cannon, it is the carol of carols. It's also the benchmark of aspiring vocalists, and the end all of so many singers.This Holy Grail of vocal gravitas is really just about one note. And while listening ears are usually united in wanting someone who can raise the rafters on the "-vine" of "Oh night di-," still there are others who have found a backdoor on this best-of list via a folksy, quirkier route that is lovely because it's unexpected. AdvertisementOf a certainty, there are countless versions of this song. I listened to more than 100 -- a mere fraction. But I discovered some interesting themes. Exceptions noted, you will notice that I favor a certain genre for this perennial holiday tune. Though old world and classic in origin, I contend it is best performed by a diva of R&B music that can approach it from a more soulful angle.That said, there should be some honorable mentions of performances of this piece that a...