Unwrapping Ariana Grande's Christmas & Chill: A Deep Dive into the EP's Impact on Her Career
Ariana Grande faced some challenges in late 2015 as she dealt with minor controversies and a lukewarm reception to her single "Focus." To reset her career and sound, she surprised fans with the release of the six-song EP Christmas & Chill. In this episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger and Billboard staff writer Kyle Denis reflect on the significance of Christmas & Chill in Grande's discography. They discuss the EP's impact on her career trajectory and how it foreshadowed her future releases, while also exploring the fan-favorite tracks and unique elements of the project.
The podcast delves into the questions surrounding Christmas & Chill, such as how an EP with understated tracks managed to leave a lasting impression on Grande's career. The hosts share their favorite songs from the EP and ponder the inclusion of a ukulele song in the collection. They also debate the significance of the "Naughty" and nice versions of "Santa Tell Me" and speculate on Grande's reluctance to revisit her holiday releases. A key topic of discussion is whether Grande could potentially follow in Mariah Carey's footsteps as the next Queen of Christmas.
Listeners can tune in to the podcast for a comprehensive analysis of Ariana Grande's holiday music moments, accompanied by a YouTube playlist. The Greatest Pop Stars podcast offers weekly discussions on pop stardom, available on Apple Music, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. Additionally, Kyle Denis's 2025 Year in R&B review and Druski cover story are recommended for further reading.
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