Toby Gad Unwraps Holiday Magic With Jordin Sparks, Victoria Justice, And More

After decades crafting chart-topping hits for pop’s biggest names, GRAMMY-winner, Diamond-certified songwriter Toby Gad 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 – Christmas," via Kite Records, alongside a teaser video for Anthony Gargiula’s “Fell in Love With Christmas,” and the world premiere teaser for the music video “Feels Like Hallelujah” featuring British star Megan McKenna. For years, Toby Gad has been the creative force behind some of pop’s most defining moments, including John Legend’s “All of Me,” Beyoncé’s “If I Were a Boy,” and Fergie’s “Big Girls Don’t Cry," songs that have not only dominated charts but defined eras. Now, the prolific songwriter turns inward with "Piano Diaries – 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.

Each song was crafted in collaboration with its featured artist, creating what Gad calls a “modern holiday songbook.” Contributors include Jordin Sparks, Victoria Justice, Loren Allred, Megan McKenna, "The Voice" winner Huntley, "X Factor" champion Louisa Johnson, and more, each sharing their own Christmas story through Gad’s elegant piano and orchestral arrangements.

“You could say I used to be a bit of a Grinch,” Gad admitted to The Blast. “But 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.”

The album’s strength lies in its balance of emotion and elegance. Jordin Sparks’ “Christmas Takes Me Back Home” and Huntley’s “Mama Made Christmas” honor family traditions, while Megan McKenna’s “Feels Like Hallelujah” and Anthony Gargiula’s “Fall in Love with Christmas” capture pure joy.

Meanwhile, Victoria Justice’s “Blessed” and Dionne Bromfield’s “Christmas For One” bring soulful introspection, painting the season in shades of love, loss, and renewal.

“I was more of a listener than a writer this time,” Gad explained. “Every 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.”

TikTok breakout star Anthony Gargiula is bringing the feels, and a little mistletoe magic, to Toby Gad’s "Piano Diaries – Christmas" with his new single, “Fell in Love With Christmas.” Co-written with Jules Brave and Toby Gad, the heartwarming track captures that movie-scene moment when loneliness melts into love, turning a quiet December into a full-blown holiday romance. With its nostalgia-soaked melody and Gargiula’s earnest, soaring vocals, the song blends classic Christmas charm with modern pop sensibility.

In the newly released teaser video, Gargiula and Brave bring the song’s cozy lyrics to life, surrounded by twinkling lights, tangled tinsel, and that unmistakable spark of connection that defines the season.

“Writing this song with Toby and my best friend, Jules Brave, truly meant so much to me,” Gargiula told The Blast. “Christmas music has always been my favorite, and this is the first Christmas song I’ve ever had the chance to write. After meeting Toby and singing with him at the GRAMMY Museum, I knew I wanted to collaborate with him one day — and I’m so grateful this opportunity came to life.”

He added, “This song captures the joy of finding love during the holidays and reminds us to hold onto that childlike sense of wonder we too often forget. It means so much to me because I believe we were able to put into words what so many people feel when they’re surrounded by the ones they love this time of year.”

With over 400 released songs and 19 billion streams worldwide, Gad’s impact on modern music is undeniable. His catalog includes 17 Top 10 hits, collaborations with Madonna, Demi Lovato, Alicia Keys, The Jonas Brothers, and Kelly Clarkson, and two ASCAP Pop Song of the Year honors. But for Gad, "Piano Diaries – Christmas" represents something more than a career milestone. It’s a return to simplicity.

“This album wasn’t about chasing hits,” he told The Blast. “It 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’s about emotion, honesty, and rediscovering the magic in the familiar.”

"Piano Diaries - Christmas" tracklist includes:

1. Joelle James – “Kiss Me for Christmas”
2. Loren Allred – “What a Wonderful Night”
3. Huntley – “Mama Made Christmas”
4. Sam Ryder - “Holy Night”
5. Megan McKenna – “Feels Like Hallelujah”
6. Gavin James – “We’ve Really Loved Someone”
7. Louisa Johnson – “Follow the Stars”
8. Victoria Justice – “Blessed”
9. Jordin Sparks – “Christmas Takes Me Back Home”
10. Dionne Bromfield – “Christmas For One”
11. Anthony Gargiula – “Fall in Love with Christmas”
12. Bonus Track: Marisha Wallace – “Little House in the Snow”

"Piano Diaries – Christmas" is now available for pre-save on all streaming platforms ahead of its release on November 7, with a limited-edition vinyl on sale at London’s The Shard during two special "Christmas Live" performances on December 15 and 16. Toby will also be performing as part of the Universal Studios Holiday concert event at City Walk on November 28 with David Archuletta, Shuba, Shelea, Arlissa, Joelle James, and Allison Iharieta.