Renowned pop sensation Ariana Grande recently shared intriguing details about the original concept for her 2014 hit, “Santa Tell Me,” during a candid conversation on Spotify’s Billions Club. The song recently achieved the impressive milestone of a billion streams on the platform and boasts the highest streaming numbers among all female artists in history.
In the latest episode aired on Tuesday, February 6, the 30-year-old singer delved into the behind-the-scenes stories of all 14 hits, providing fans with an exclusive peek into the creative process that has defined her career.
Surprising her audience, Grande disclosed that the iconic music video fans know today was not the initial plan. She confessed that the final version of ‘Santa Tell Me’ was a last-minute creation with a limited budget, explaining, “It was a backup video. We did that last minute with, like, no budget to have something to put out.”
As Grande revealed, the original concept involved her donning unusual Christmas lingerie and wielding a candy cane pole as she playfully interacted with Santa. Eager to capture a unique and festive vibe for the song, the singer was adamant about this unconventional approach. However, the label needed to be convinced, leading to a change of plans.
“The original video, I was in weird Christmas lingerie, and I was hitting Santa with a cane pole. That was something that I was really insistent on. I was like, that is the right vibe for this song,” Grande confessed during the discussion. She revealed that the label expressed reservations, saying, “Hey, honey, I don’t think we can use this.’ I’m glad I was reeled in that time.”
Despite the change in direction, the final result featured Grande and her dancers exuding holiday charm in their pajamas, grooving around a mansion. The singer acknowledged the wisdom in the decision to scrap the original concept, thanking her label for intervening.
Although “Santa Tell Me” is nearly a decade old, it experienced a resurgence in popularity, reaching a new peak at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2022. Grande surprised fans during the 2023 holiday season by unveiling a previously leaked “naughty” version of the hit. This alternate rendition featured a modified bridge, injecting a touch of playful sensuality into the lyrics.
The gradual transformation of “Santa Tell Me” stands as compelling evidence of Ariana Grande’s artistic odyssey, underscoring the synergistic interplay between various artists and labels that ultimately culminates in the production of remarkable and unforgettable creative works, which are fervently enjoyed by fans worldwide.
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