Santa Tell Me

Ariana Grande released "Santa Tell Me" on November 24, 2014, marking her first major entry into the holiday music scene. The track arrived just in time for the season and found its way onto the Japanese reissue of her EP Christmas Kisses. Written by Grande alongside Savan Kotecha and produced by Ilya Salmanzadeh, the song blends her signature four-octave vocal range with upbeat, festive instrumentation. This collaboration created a sound that felt both modern and timeless, establishing the track as a staple for younger listeners.

The song quickly gained traction through streaming platforms and radio play, eventually reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 2014. It also topped the Billboard Holiday Digital Song Sales chart during its initial run. Over the years, the track has experienced massive annual resurgences every December, breaking global Spotify records for streams on Christmas Eve in 2024. Its longevity reflects a shift in how contemporary pop stars approach the holiday genre.

In December 2023, Grande surprised fans by releasing a "Naughty Version" of the track. This edition featured edgier lyrics and a slightly darker tone, sparking widespread discussion among listeners about the changes. To celebrate the song's tenth anniversary in late 2024, she released a live music video version directed by Dave Meyers. The official video features Grande in a whimsical winter setting wearing red, interacting with Santa figures and snowflakes. [edit]