Olivia Rodrigo's new Christmas song divides fans as comparison to festive classic spotted
It might still be November, but Olivia Rodrigo has already entered her Christmas era - much to the dismay of a number of critics.
The singer this week dropped her first-ever Christmas song, titled 'take me home (4 christmas)', and while some fans are already declaring it a festive hit, others reckon they've heard it all before.
Released on Thursday (5 Nov), the festive new track sees Rodrigo, 20, putting her own rockstar spin on the traditional Christmas classic, with a rather relatable romantic twist.
Rather than dreaming of presents under the tree, the singer is hoping to be taken home to meet her partner's family for the holidays.
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Written alongside her longtime collaborators Dan Nigro and Amy Allen, the track is accompanied by a well and truly tinselled music video featuring Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon and Saturday Night Live comedian Ben Marshall.
The video sees Olivia imagining what it would be like to spend Christmas with her new beau's family, with Nixon playing his mum as the singer attempts to win everyone over.
It's certainly a different December offering from the usual Christmas hit about snow, presents and Santa.
However, despite Rodrigo's first holiday release wowing her loyal fanbase, some listeners have already drawn comparisons between the track and a much-loved Christmas classic.
Taking to X, several fans pointed out similarities between the song and The Waitresses' 1981 festive favourite 'Christmas Wrapping', with one listener asking outright: "Is this not just a worse 'Christmas wrapping'?"
Another appeared equally unconvinced, writing: "Someone was listening to Christmas Wrapping."
A third even suggested the singer had borrowed from another familiar melody, posting: "It’s raining it’s pouring the old man is snoring.. another copied melody we’re so tired." Ouch!
It looks like not everyone is ready to add Rodrigo's addition to their Christmas playlist just yet.
Interestingly, however, the much-loved musician appears to have made sure the original artist was in the loop.
Chris Butler from The Waitresses reportedly revealed that Rodrigo personally reached out to him, sharing her song and expressing her admiration for the chart-topping band.
And it seems the feeling is mutual, with Butler giving the track his seal of approval. Sharing his thoughts, he said: "The song was/is great. It's going to be a smash - maybe even that elusive Christmas #1 contest they have every year in the UK."
He also attended Olivia's Unraveled Tour, where he went backstage to meet the singer, making the connection between the two artists even sweeter.
As we say, however, while some fans aren't convinced by the Grammy-winner's latest toe-tapping tune, plenty of others have rushed to her defence, insisting the song is exactly the kind of fun Christmas release they've been waiting for.
One fan was clearly loving the singer's latest era, writing: "she’s so unserious. i love it!"
Another wasn't impressed by the criticism, posting: "yall hate FUN omfg this song is FUN!!!!"
Meanwhile, one particularly devoted fan admitted they were sold on pretty much anything Rodrigo puts out, writing: "i've accepted that i just live for literally everything she does im sorrryshkld."
And it wasn't just her loyal fanbase getting involved, with another listener declared the release a welcome addition to the festive music catalogue, writing: "this is literally the first fresh sounding christmas song in YEARSSS."
Someone else summed up the appeal perfectly, adding: "i love how it’s a christmas song but still sounds so distinctly olivia it’s a hit idgafff."
Clearly, the reaction has been pretty divided, with some listeners questioning the song's originality while others are embracing its playful sound and unmistakably Rodrigo-style delivery.
So, while comparisons are still being made, it looks like the track has at least managed to get people talking.
Tyla contacted Rodrigo's representatives for comment.
Topics: Celebrity, Music, Christmas, US News, Entertainment
Rhianna Benson
