aespa is bringing a new generation to one of Christmas music’s most recognizable voices. The K-pop group has released a reimagined version of “Santa Baby,” featuring the original vocals of Eartha Kitt, combining the late singer’s iconic 1953 recording with contributions from KARINA, GISELLE, WINTER and NINGNING.
The special digital single, released through Primary Wave Music and available on major streaming platforms, arrives ahead of what would have been Kitt’s 100th birthday on January 17, 2027. The collaboration also launches a year-long celebration of the singer and actress’s enduring legacy.
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Written for and originally recorded by Kitt in 1953, “Santa Baby” has remained a fixture of the holiday season for more than seven decades. Its playful delivery and unmistakable vocal performance have inspired numerous reinterpretations, but the new version takes a different approach by retaining Kitt’s original voice rather than simply covering the song. aespa’s four members add their own musical identity around the historic recording.
Kitt’s daughter, Kitt Shapiro, welcomed the collaboration as a fitting tribute to her mother’s artistic legacy. “My mother believed in bringing generations and cultures together through music. I think she would be absolutely delighted to hear her voice alongside the talented women of aespa,” she said, describing the release as a celebration of creativity, individuality and music’s ability to connect people.
The members of aespa also shared their excitement about participating in the project, revealing that they had grown up listening to Kitt’s original during the holiday season. “It’s such an honour to be part of a song that has been loved for so many years,” aespa said. “All four of us have always enjoyed listening to Eartha Kitt’s original during the holiday season, so getting to bring our own touch to it was a really special experience. We hope this new version brings a little extra joy to everyone’s holiday season.”
The release arrives during an active stretch for KARINA, GISELLE, WINTER and NINGNING, who are preparing to take their 2026-27 aespa LIVE TOUR – SYNK : COMPLæXITY to Europe and the UK following shows across Asia, Latin America and North America. The nine-city leg begins in Manchester on January 14, 2027, followed by London on January 16, before continuing through Amsterdam, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Berlin, Milan, Barcelona and Paris.
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