Kim Kardashian has officially entered the holiday music scene with her unconventional cover of the classic Christmas tune, 'Santa Baby.' Released on December 22, 2023, just before Christmas, Kardashian's rendition is not only accompanied by audio but also by a visually eclectic music video featuring none other than Macaulay Culkin.
The 44-year-old reality star, who recorded the song during season three of her family's reality show, has been receiving mixed reactions from fans. The production of the track is notable as it was handled by her brother-in-law, Travis Barker, through his DTA Records, along with Kardashian's own Kimsaprincess, Inc.
According to reports, the music video showcases Kardashian crawling on the floor decked out with a blonde wig, donning a baby blue cropped cardigan and nude leggings. The visual experience is styled like Americana with bizarre elements such as elves, bodybuilders, and even Jesus, creating what some viewers have characterized as reminiscent of scenes from 'American Horror Story.'
Fans took to social media expressing their bewilderment, with comments flooding Instagram like, “This is unhinged” from TV host AJ Gibson. Others chimed in with lighthearted remarks, pondering if they were watching “American horror story Santa edition?” Such reactions depict the polarizing nature of the video, compelling viewers to question both its artistic direction and thematic depth.
The offbeat atmosphere culminates with Culkin's surprise cameo. At the video’s end, he appears dressed as Santa, holding a camcorder and capturing the bizarre Christmas fun—a moment signaling to many viewers the odd blend of holiday cheer and surrealism.
Kardashian's venture aligns with her family's previous discussions about recording a Christmas album, which was spurred after matriarch Kris Jenner’s release of her Christmas single two years ago. During a confession on their reality show, Kourtney Kardashian shared, “After my mom recorded her Christmas song, all my sisters... have all been talking about doing a Christmas album. I think it’s because we all are obsessed with Christmas, and all of the proceeds will go to charity.” This initiative adds another layer of purpose to their holiday fun.
The music video maintains its oddity as Kim moves through rooms styled to mimic the chaos of, say, a family holiday gathering gone very wrong. The blending of Christmas elements with bizarre behaviors hints at the Kardashians’ self-aware humor and ability to embrace the unconventional.
Karing for her newfound musical adventure, Kardashian looks back at her past musical endeavors, referencing her debut single, “Jam (Turn It Up),” released back in 2011. Reflecting on her foray, she once remarked during 'Watch What Happens Live,' “It’s definitely a memory and it was a fun experience. [...] I don’t like it when people kind of dabble... like, what gave me the right to think I could be a singer?” Such candor reflects her evolution from the brash confidence of youth to the more nuanced awareness of how she wants to portray herself artistically.
While this cover may be slightly contentious, it continues to showcase Kardashian’s willingness to push boundaries and explore her creative side—unprompted by conventional expectations. It not only targets the ears of holiday music fans but also employs visual storytelling through bizarre character portrayals and odd scenarios, all strung together by the thread of festive mirth.
Perhaps it’s less about holiday tradition and more about infusing the season with Kardashian flair—quirky, entertaining, and undeniably attention-grabbing. No doubt, this outrageous December release will continue generating discusses leading up to the holidays.
Having segued from reality TV stardom to musical venture, Kardashian’s 'Santa Baby' signifies her ability to capture both the festive spirit and the surrealism of contemporary media. Through this project, she positions herself once again as not just Kim from reality shows but as someone unafraid to embrace the bizarre aspects of entertainment, redefining how fans view her during the typically joyous Christmas season.
