That time pop sensation Hanson did ‘Christmas in Washington’ TV special #TBT

Before the Jonas Brothers and One Direction, there was pop sensation Hanson. And before there was Taylor Swift’s addictive “Shake it Off,” there was Hanson’s “MMMbop.”

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, we’re hopping in Santa’s sleigh (because it’s magical) and traveling back to 1997 — when the heartthrobs performed for NBC’s “Christmas in Washington” special held at the National Building Museum. The fresh-faced trio belted out “Merry Christmas Baby” to the elation of preteen girls (and boys) in the audience. The Clintons bopped along.

Noticeably absent from this year’s lineup is a pop act that matches the brothers’ popularity. It’s TNT’s final year sponsoring the 33-year-old George Stevens production, which airs Friday, Dec. 19, with performances from Rita Ora, Darius Rucker, Hunter Hayes, Christina Perri and Aloe Blacc.

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C-SPAN mom on getting along at the holidays: ‘I don’t take sides’

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