The Pussycat Dolls versions have already been mentioned.
I also remember Bernadette Peters singing it on SNL but I can’t find it online.
Yeah, I can’t exactly say that the song represents a healthy, well-adjusted view of sexuality, but it’s certainly not rapey.
And I’ll agree with astorian that singers of this song fall into two categories: First, Eartha Kitt, and second, people trying to be Eartha Kitt.
I agree - mostly. That’s why it’s not high on my Christmas faves list. Too Betty Boop-y. But there are some great versions by unknowns. Check out Megan Nicole’s version, for example.
Or Daniela Andrade’s version which I found by randomly googling.
Eartha Kitt, the one and only. Of all the others only Madonna’s shows any real character.
I thought that song was cute the first time I heard it. Now I hate it.
What’s the true meaning of Christmas? Getting as much as you can?
And “Santa Buddy”? Barf.
I’ll admit Kitt is the standard by which all others are judged. But I have to say, I think I actually enjoy the Madonna version better as much as that surprises even myself.
“Santa Buddy” is a real headscratcher. When Eartha (or one of her many, but lesser imitators) sings the original, you have a pretty clear notion of WHY she thinks Santa will be inclined to comply ('cos it’s gonna get him laid).
With “Santa Buddy,” since there’s no reason given to suggest that he’s into that sort of thing (not that there’s anything wrong with that), one is left to suspect that the singer is offering to let Santa hang with a huge douche.
How is that supposed to be any sort of motivation?
The Madonna version gets me right in the short-and-curly area
Eartha Kitt, of course. There can be only one!
I’ve only ever heard two other people sing it to my knowledge, Madonna and Kylie Menogue.
Madonna’a version was surprisingly good. Kylie Minogue’s version was dreadful.
Not liking Eartha Kitt’s version is like not liking Citizen Kane because it’s all cliche.
Not my favourite song, but I’ll go with Madonna or Eartha Kitt. I haven’t heard all of the versions. It’s better than Last Christmas, Two Front Teeth and I’m Getting Nothing…
This. And for those one or two in the audience who’ve not heard it, here it is (with a lot of cheesecake).
Put me down as another vote for Madonna’s version.
Where does anyone say “Santa Buddy”? In the Eartha Kitt version I only hear Santa Baby, Honey, and Cutie.
Michael Buble sings the song as “Santa Buddy.”
Bublé.
I have not heard this version. I’m not sure that I want to hear it.
Eartha Kitt, hands down. She also wins as best voice for Catgirl (Julie Newmar wins for best figure and walk).
Michael Bubbles don’t count. Didn’t Jessica Simpson cover it?