Kim Kardashian has once again made headlines by dropping her cover of the classic Christmas song "Santa Baby," just two days before the holiday. Released on December 23, 2024, this rendition was produced by Kardashian’s brother-in-law, blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, and directed by frequent collaborator Nadia Lee Cohen, alongside Charlie Denis.
The music video paints Kim as the star of her very own surrealist holiday film, where she crawls around what appears to be the aftermath of some bizarre Christmas party. Dressed scantily and sporting a blonde wig, Kardashian navigates through absurd and unsettling vignettes, including bewildering scenes with brawling men, women trimming Christmas trees, and even a nativity scene featuring Jesus and Mary, capped off with none other than Macaulay Culkin appearing as Santa Claus.
The video, shot with the grainy aesthetic of vintage home videos and glitchy effects, quickly drew mixed responses from viewers. Some found it artsy and humorous, whereas others labeled it "disturbing" and even "demonic." One Instagram user shockingly remarked, "This is disturbing. And she claims she is Christian. This is absurd," reflecting the sentiment of many who were caught off guard by the video's bizarre portrayal of holiday themes.
Others echoed similar sentiments, with one person commenting, "Is this for Halloween…. because this scares me," highlighting just how polarizing the video truly is. Yet, it wasn't all negativity; some fans praised Kim’s attempt at creative exploration. "Absolutely brilliant. One of the most creative works of art I’ve seen in a long time," countered another netizen excitedly. These unexpected reactions showcase the duality of the pop culture experience.
Among the peculiar scenes, Kardashian crawls past characters engaged in curious activities, including scantily clad women playing Twister and even someone getting their hair cut. The chaos culminates when she finally reaches Santa, who, instead of embodying the comforting figure audiences might expect, captures her on video—an unsettling twist on the classic narrative. Macaulay Culkin’s unexpected cameo adds to the overall absurdity, catapulting the video's surreal nature even more.
Kardashian’s decision to release this cover of "Santa Baby" was completely off the radar for many fans, and the juxtaposition of her celebrity status with the humdrum themes of Christmas—the celebration of joy and warmth—created confusion and existential musings about modern holiday celebrations. While some viewed the video as highlighting the chaotic frenzy surrounding Christmas, others were left bemused and questioning Kardashian’s intentions.
Interestingly, this isn't Kardashian’s first foray outside reality television; she previously released the ambient club single "Jam (Turn It Up)" back in 2011. Despite her burgeoning musical ambitions, it appears she's been mainly focused on building her multi-billion-dollar empire through her beauty brand SKIMS and her various entertainment projects. The recent trend of celebrities attempting to rebrand themselves through unconventional means is evident here. Kardashian seems eager to push boundaries, and this project certainly signifies her interest in exploring new creative avenues.
While Kim Kardashian's "Santa Baby" might not be the Christmas treat everyone wanted, its release adds another layer to the public discourse around celebrity culture and artistic expression, especially during the festive season—a time expected to evoke nostalgia and warmth. The reactions it elicited showcase how art can be interpreted through many lenses, each with its own political, social, and cultural connotations.
Regardless of the polarizing discussions, there’s no denying the intrigue surrounding Kardashian’s wild imagination and her ability to keep the public guessing. If anything, she'll surely remain at the forefront of pop culture chatter following this audacious stint. With reactions ranging from disgust to admiration, one thing is certain: Kim Kardashian's "Santa Baby" has undoubtedly secured its place as one of the most talked-about holiday releases this season.
