Mariah Carey recruits a coterie of phenomenal singers for her 2020 rendition of ‘Oh Santa!’ featuring Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson. The Queen of Christmas may very well glide through every holiday season through her most famous number but she chooses to update a more recent tune of hers. The original version of ‘Oh Santa!’ was released in 2010 but this tune featuring Ariana and Jennifer is set to be a leading single for Mariah’s Apple TV+ Christmas special titled “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special.” 

The song remains just as jolly and dynamic as ever, but the addition of Ariana and Jennifer’s empowered, soulful vocals just adds a delightful new touch to the proceedings. It helps that all three of the singers are complete powerhouses on the mic; each note is infused with a world of emotion. Their range is demonstrated at each and every instance, and their backup vocal riffs flow so well together that it’d be difficult to tell each voice apart. The original melody remains unchanged, and rightfully so, as the R&B uptempo and the quick-paced verses are what keep the song so spirited and romantic. 

The track details making a plea to Santa about bringing back one’s partner just in time for Christmas. Jennifer and Ariana’s harmonies create a picture of sisterhood; it helps that they nail the timing of their melodies to perfection. Every note is filled to the brim with unbridled energy, whereas the collective blend of their voices is a soothing yet invigorating rollercoaster. Ariana has a softer, more seductive take, whereas Jennifer Hudson just hits those notes and riffs with aplomb. It truly is a testament to the three artists and how they’ve decided to celebrate Christmas in full force. 

Speaking on the collaboration, Mariah said, “Originally, I was blending with myself, which that's kind of one of my favorite things, but it was cool to be able to work with the different vocal textures and play around with it and reimagine it. So that's what happened. And visually, in the special, it really does feel like a girl group moment. I think we all had a good time with it. That was the fun part about it.”

Author: Shaoni Das

Shaoni Das is a writer/editor currently based in Edmonton, Canada. She remains eager to inspect how the changing culture of music impacts upon the greater world.