Sweet Mountain Christmas

Thank you so much for doing this here, I had no time.

Stop playing Laney Blu.

Still a classic.

That's off your Christmas album, right?

Oh, we had a blast recording that album.

It's my favourite time of year.

Hard to believe it's been 10 years

since you stole the country's heart on American Superstar.

So, how does a girl from the Tennessee Hills

find inspiration living in Malibu?

Well, I just look out the window and imagine pine trees

instead of palms, and snow instead of sand,

and just like that, I'm right back in the Smokies.

Well, there are whispers that you're going to be leaving

country music in the rear view mirror.

Let me guess,

those whispers are probably coming from my manager, Danny.

Well, it is true, I have a new pop album coming out next month.

Yeah.

New year, new me.

That wouldn't have anything to do

with the fact that your last two albums

have slipped down the charts rather quickly?

Are you worried?

Worried? No.

No, of course not.

Growing up in the Smokies, you... you learn pretty quick

that in order to have peaks,

you've gotta have some valleys too.

But I promise you, all these new songs on this new album

they're all sugarplums, no coal.

All sugarplums, no coal?

That is a brilliant title for your article.

Do we have everything we need here?

Yes, thank you.

It was terrific.

Thank you.

Thanks for your time.

Thank you.

This way.

I know that look.

Did it not go well?

Those were all supposed to be softball questions.

Oh, with a couple hardballs thrown in there.

It's fine.

She wanted to know about the new album,

which is kind of hard to talk about

since I didn't write a single song on it.

That's what songwriters are for.

Yeah, but I always write my own songs.

Laney.

Okay.

I've got my manager's hat on now,

and we've talked about this.

You've had ten great years.

Gold records, Grammys.

But the last couple of releases have underperformed,

and we can't wait around a whole year for you

to compose new material for an album.

One more like that and the label might drop you.

I just wish I could write some new songs.

Take the time you need, write those songs.

That could be for the next album.

Look, I know how much you love Christmas,

so I got you an early present.

I booked you to perform a set at Santapalooza in New York.

Are you kidding?

Santapalooza?

That's... that's huge.

You are amazing!

Yes, I am.

Speaking of which, come with me, I want to show you something.

Okay, Beth.

What do you think?

Looks great, right?

It's just...

Uh... Really different from your usual style.

But you do look hot.

See?

Even Beth agrees.

I'm a genius.

Uh, yeah.

I didn't say that.

I don't know.

My fans see me more as a jeans and boots kinda girl.

You think they're going to accept me looking like this?

That was the old you.

This, this is the new you.

And when you step out on that stage on Christmas Eve,

your fans will go wild.

Wait, I'm performing on Christmas Eve?

Uh-huh.

Eight days from today.

And because of the new choreography,

and the rehearsals, and all the media interviews,

we need you in New York ASAP to get ready.

But I told my mom I was going to spend Christmas with her.

I haven't been home for Christmas in about five years.

I want my girl to be happy.

Okay, um, I can't give you Christmas Eve.

But if you promise to be in New York

by the day after tomorrow at the latest,

I'll just tell them to eat it.

Okay, I guess so.

Um, thanks, Danny.

Anything for you.

Santapalooza's huge.

It's going to be awesome.

But missing Christmas Eve?

What... what am I going to tell my mom?

Doesn't sound like there's much of a choice.

I was really looking forward to putting my feet up.

I've spent the last three months in a recording studio.

Mm-hmm.

And there is no better place to relax than Baxter Mountain.

I mean, there is one road in and one road out.

Sounds charming.

Oh, come on.

You would love it if you visited.

Yeah, it's this beautiful little snow globe of a town.

Mm-hmm.

Although, if I'd stayed,

I probably would've been desperate to leave.

Instead I just write songs

about girls who are desperate to leave.

Whenever I go home,

I just spend all my time hanging out with my old boyfriends.

Then I remember why I left.

Well, mine's long gone, and so am I.

Hi.

Is, uh, is this my rental?

I know, I know, Miss Blu.

But we didn't have anything else left on the lot.

It's such a busy time of year.

Is it all right?

Oh yeah, it'll be fine.

It's only for one day.

I really appreciate that.

Can I just say I am a huge fan.

Also, I got married last year to that song of yours, "Promise."

Oh, thank you.

I love hearing stories like that.

You sure you don't want me to find you a driver?

Oh no, it's fine.

I prefer to drive myself anyway.

It's the only time I get peace and privacy.

Well, just be careful.

The radio says there's a winter storm

that might be coming our way.

Oh, that's fine.

I'll be in New York by then anyway.

Hi.

Hi.

How can I help you?

Could I get a coffee cake please?

Temperature's dropping outside.

There's a front coming in, right?

Yeah.

Big snow's coming.

You know, your boyfriend's really hot.

What?

The personal trainer you're dating, of course.

Ugh.

I'll take all of 'em.

Laney!

Oh, Mama!

I brought your favourite coffee cake.

Oh, bless your heart.

Oh, I'm so glad you're here.

Me too.

Isn't that car a little small for around here?

Oh, it's fine.

I am so glad you made it.

I mean, seeing you in LA just is not the same

as having you home for Christmas.

Oh, Mom, about that.

I'm gonna have to take a rain check on Christmas.

I have to leave tomorrow.

No!

You haven't been home in years, and the last time you were,

it was only for a weekend.

Oh, I just had so many things planned.

I was going to make all your favourite meals

and we were going to decorate a tree, and...

I know, I'm so sorry, Mom,

but this huge opportunity came up,

and I just, I'm not in a place to say no to it right now.