**Debbie Gibson Releases Heartfelt Tribute to Late Mother on New Holiday Album**
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Debbie Gibson, the iconic pop singer-songwriter, is making waves this festive season with the release of her latest album, *Winterlicious D’Luxe*, which launched on 22 October. The album builds upon her previous holiday offering from 2022, featuring six new songs, including a touching tribute to her late mother, Diane Gibson. The 56-year-old artist has much to celebrate as she prepares for a series of performances in Las Vegas this December, heralding the onset of the holiday season.
In an interview, Gibson shared that the new project felt like a natural progression. “It felt right. I was like, ‘I think I have new songs up my sleeve,’” she remarked from her home in Las Vegas. She expressed her affinity for festive music, noting that the holidays hold a special charm, drawing people together through shared melodies and memories.
Among the new tracks, “Angels in the Snow” holds particular significance for Gibson. The song serves as a heartfelt homage to Diane, who passed away in January 2022 at the age of 76. Recalling the poignant moment after her mother’s death, Gibson shared an emotional experience. “When my mom passed, there was still snow on the ground, and I was at my sister’s house in my funeral service dress and tights. I made an angel in the snow, and I was like, ‘This is for you.’”
Family bonds and shared experiences play a central role in Gibson’s life and artistry. Diane was integral to Gibson’s rise to fame, managing her career and sharing in the joys of music. Gibson reminisced about family Christmas traditions, stating that her mother cherished festive gatherings. “She and my late Grandma Josephine and my Aunt Linda, I have these visions of them with the big pots of sauce,” Gibson recalled. The warm-hearted memories of holiday gatherings and family chaos always find their way into her music.
In describing those festive family moments, Gibson fondly remembers how her relatives would gather to record music in their home studio, turning holiday songs into cherished family memories. “We have some amazing memories,” she said, adding that her Uncle Sal and Aunt Terry brought their unique antics to the Christmas celebrations, reminiscent of characters from classic television.
*Winterlicious D’Luxe* features a variety of musical styles, with songs like the upbeat “Lit Up!” and a unique mash-up called “Out of the Blue Christmas,” merging her hit “Out of the Blue” with Elvis Presley’s classic “Blue Christmas.” Additionally, the album includes a whimsical cover of Disney’s “It’s a Small World” and an interlude named “Winterlude.” Notably, Gibson has ventured into the Spanish language with her track “El Regalo,” reflecting her long-standing interest in the language nurtured since her high school years.
Gibson shared her enthusiasm for the Spanish track, which was inspired by her concerts in Latin America earlier this year. “It was like, ‘Oh my God, I have to make this the year I sing in Spanish,’” she remarked, highlighting how her experience abroad motivated her to connect more deeply with a broader audience. To ensure her pronunciation was authentic, she sought help from friends in Peru, underlining her commitment to getting the language just right.
After taking a year off from live holiday performances, Gibson is eager to return to the stage for a five-show holiday residency at The Strat in Las Vegas. She acknowledged the personal importance of these performances and how they have become a beloved tradition for her fans. “Winterlicious is by far my favourite show to do. For the diehards, it’s become a time-honoured tradition,” she stated, recalling how attending other festive shows has inspired her own career.
As Gibson embarks on this new chapter, both in music and personal tribute, her latest album encapsulates the spirit of the season, intertwining nostalgic memories with fresh, contemporary sounds. With “Angels in the Snow” and other offerings from *Winterlicious D’Luxe*, she invites listeners to share in the love and joy that surrounds the holiday season, while honouring the profound connection to her late mother.