aespa Announce 'Santa Baby' Collaboration With the Late Eartha Kitt, Out Nov. 13
aespa announced a holiday release of "Santa Baby" with the late Eartha Kitt, due Nov. 13 at 12 a.m. ET (2 p.m. KST).
aespa are releasing a holiday song with a legend.
On Nov. 9 KST, the group's official X account announced "Santa Baby" as a collaboration between aespa and Eartha Kitt, set for release on Nov. 13 at 12 a.m. ET, or 2 p.m. KST.
Kitt, who died in 2008, made "Santa Baby" a holiday standard with her 1953 recording.
The announcement has sparked debate online. Indiatimes reports that some fans questioned whether AI was used to bring in Kitt's voice or image, while noting that this has not been established. 2FC could not find an official explanation of how Kitt's part was made.
Confirmed
- aespa's official X account announced "aespa x Eartha Kitt 'Santa Baby'" on Nov. 9 KST.
- The release is set for Nov. 13, 2026 at 12 a.m. ET / 2 p.m. KST.
Reported by other outlets
- Indiatimes reports the announcement drew mixed reactions, with some fans questioning whether AI was used; the outlet notes this has not been established.
- Eartha Kitt, who died in 2008, recorded the original "Santa Baby" in 1953.
Unconfirmed
- How Kitt's voice or likeness is used in the new version has not been officially explained.
Analysis
2FC NEWSROOM analysis: Posthumous duets are not new, but the reaction shows how closely K-pop fans now watch for AI use in releases.