Santa Baby, the cheeky Christmas classic, has long inspired playful reimaginings. This year two pop personalities offered fresh takes: Ariana Grande and Debby Ryan. Each artist carries the tune in a way that nods to Eartha Kitt’s iconic delivery while letting their own sparks show. Fans are invited to pick a favorite as both versions sit side by side in the holiday rotation. Source: Ariana Grande official releases and Debby Ryan press materials.
Ariana Grande includes Santa Baby on her four song EP Christmas Kisses, preserving some of Eartha Kitt’s retro swagger while adding modern pop polish. She also invited friend and former Victorious co-star Liz Gillies to harmonize on the track, creating a duet that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. The arrangement leans on swing era flavor with playful horn lines and tasteful sleigh bells, helping the performance glow with warmth as Grande’s voice blends with Gillies’ clear harmonies. This version leans into a charming duet vibe, balancing affection and mischief with ease. Source: Ariana Grande official release notes.
Debby Ryan’s version arrives with her band The Never Ending, pushing the song into a sassier, more contemporary lane. The interpretation adds punchy rhythms, sharper rhythm guitar, and a wink in the vocal delivery that reinterprets the classic as playful and bold. A music video accompanies the cover, giving fans a visual that matches the attitude of the performance. Source: Debby Ryan official video notes.
Compared side by side, the two covers highlight how context changes a Christmas standard. Ariana and Liz Gillies produce a polished, radio friendly mood that honors the vintage vibe, while Debby and The Never Ending roll out a punchier, club influenced energy that feels current. The pacing differs: Grande’s version glides with smoother phrasing, whereas Ryan’s take drives with sharper tempo and stylized swagger. Listeners describe the contrast as a reminder that classic tunes can carry multiple identities depending on who sings them. Source: press coverage notes.
Ultimately, Santa Baby continues to invite fresh interpretations. The Ariana Grande and Liz Gillies pairing offers a sweet, nostalgic thrill; Debby Ryan and The Never Ending deliver a bold, new flavor. The choice rests with personal taste — one may prefer the intimate charm of a true duet, the other the bold bounce of a contemporary band arrangement. Both versions expand the song’s appeal during the holiday season. Source: music coverage summaries.