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QVC is ringing in the holiday season with a new host, and to hear him tell it, there’s never been a better time to shop on TV — or online.
John Battagliese debuted on QVC in October, as one of the newest — and youngest — faces of the venerable TV network. The actor and singer now hosts four days a week, and has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to his approachable style and social media savvy, which Battagliese says uniquely positions him to “meet the customer everywhere they are.”
The Pennsylvania native grew up just down the street from the QVC studios in Chester County, and Battagliese says when he had trouble falling asleep as a kid, his parents would put the channel on in the background, hoping it would lull him to slumber. But: “It had the opposite effect,” he says. “I’d stay up all night, captivated by the hosts, memorizing the Today’s Special Value, and talking nonstop about my love of Joan Rivers. I loved how QVC created a warm, welcoming world that felt like a safe escape,” he shares, “and even as a kid, I knew I wanted to be part of it someday.”
Battagliese first auditioned for the role in February, while he was on the road with the Broadway National Tour of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. “My audition tape was filmed on my iPhone out of my hotel room in Greenville, SC,” he recalls.
A second round of “virtual selling” took place in May, before Battagliese was flown to the QVC studios over the summer with a pool of other contenders for a two-day “bootcamp.” Just under a month later, the aspiring host got the call that he had landed his dream gig.
Now officially a QVC “Program Host,” Battagliese says his role on-air is not dissimilar from singing and dancing on Broadway. “It requires that same live energy and adaption to things in real time as you would on stage,” he explains, adding that “I apply the same storytelling skills I used while working in theater, but now I am sharing real-life anecdotes that I believe will resonate with viewers. At the end of the day, both roles are all about connecting with people.”
QVC has been a leader in live video commerce for nearly 40 years, and the brand continues to evolve with not just TV programming, but online livestreams as well. The 31-year-old Battagliese says he hopes to inspire a new generation of shoppers, who will see QVC as a place to find conversation, community, and maybe score a deal too. As marketing classes will tell you, it’s all about creating value for the consumer, in whatever way they find it (“QVC” of course, also stands for Quality, Value and Convenience).
“My goal is to create a QVC experience that’s vibrant, relatable, and makes customers of all ages feel welcome, connected, and inspired to tune in and shop,” Battagliese says. “My goal has always been to make people feel seen, valued, and included,” he adds, “whether I was on stage, or now across many platforms from TV to digital and streaming — I have always wanted to leave a lasting impact that brightens people’s days.”
Ahead of the holidays, Rolling Stone asked Battagliese for ten of his favorite products to shop on QVC.com right now. Here are his top gifting picks.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
$249.98
$299
16% off
Buy Now AT QVC
These earbuds from Bose are perfect for people on the go. You can enjoy that same incredible sound Bose is known for without sacrificing safety, because the “open earbuds” style allows you to still hear the world around you. They clip comfortably on the outside of your ear, automatically adjusting your volume based on your surroundings.
Our Place Home Cook Duo Always Pan & Perfect Pot 2.0
$209.98
$254
17% off
Buy Now AT QVC
This one is for the chef in your life! This gift will allow them to save time, reduce clutter, and explore new culinary creations by simplifying their daily kitchen routine. These versatile tools allow you to roast, boil, bake, braise, fry, strain, and serve. From the viral Our Place brand, this set includes the Always Pan, Perfect Pot and two hot grips. This is an exclusive bundle to QVC; choose from size colorways.
JAI Sterling Silver Crossover Textured Cuff
$236.99
$362
35% off
Buy Now AT QVC
Wanderlust? Let this crossover cuff — rich with JAI’s artisan textures — satisfy your inner explorer and expand your curated accessory collection.
IHKWIP Patent Everyday Essentials Crossbody
$39.98
$48
17% off
Buy Now AT QVC
I absolutely love this bag! IHKWIP has such incredible bags that help you stay organized without sacrificing style, and this is a must have for every day.
Barefoot Dreams Inc. CozyChic Ribbed Throw
$165
Buy Now AT QVC
This holiday season, everyone needs a cozy throw that you can curl up in by the fire, in your favorite reading chair, or in a nook!
Shark FlexStyle Multi-Styler with Storage Bag
$299.99
Buy Now AT QVC
Curl, volumize, smooth, and dry — the Shark FlexStyle handles all your haircare needs at home so you can cancel the curling irons, flat irons, and bulky blow dryers that clutter up counters and cabinets. I love this as a gift because, with this tool, you don’t have to go to an expensive salon or spend hours in front of the mirror (but your friends may think you did!)
TATCHA Dewy Skin Trio Holiday Collection
$119.98
$157
24% off
Buy Now AT QVC
I am absolutely obsessed with this set from Tatcha. It has singlehandedly changed my skin for the better and is the perfect gift for the skincare lover in your life!
Loved01 Daily Love 4-Piece Skincare Gift Set
$49.98
$61
18% off
Buy Now AT QVC
Another skincare set I love! My first weekend on-air at QVC we had Loved01 founder John Legend on-air debuting this product – not only was he so kind but his skin was glowing. This set is great hydration and can be used on face and body, and the products are unisex too.
Laura Geller 5-Piece Holiday Glam Full-Face Collection
$49.98
$60
17% off
Buy Now At QVC
Give the gift of beauty! This five-piece confidence-boosting collection allows you to be fabulously festive for seasonal soirees (and beyond).
Carla Rockmore Collection Regular Asymmetric Quilted Coat
$103.98
$113
8% off
Buy Now AT QVC
The second I saw this stunning coat it stopped me in my tracks. I absolutely adore Carla Rockmore and am so excited to have her at QVC. This piece is such a great gift because it’s unique, fashionable, cozy and exclusive to the Q.
