Mistletoe Madness: 395 Christmas Songs in the Ultimate Bracket ✦ anika superstar

Introduction
Version Battles: Left Side
Version Battles: Right Side
Song Battles: Finals
- A Marshmallow World vs. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

Introduction

It’s that time of year again: Mariah Carey has thawed, Spotify has Wrapped, and Christmas time is here.

One of my favorite parts of the season since childhood is hearing Christmas music playing on 96.5 (KOIT). The first holiday song I heard on the radio this year was someone’s rendition of “Do You Hear What I Hear”. It got me thinking, what is my favorite Christmas song? I know “Last Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You” have touched my heart in recent years, but surely there are others in the running. It certainly isn’t “Do You Hear What I Hear?”. I needed to find an answer. What would I say when everyone inevitably asks: Anika, what is your favorite Christmas song? Before I knew it, I was on a mission.

The task ahead wasn’t as simple as drawing song titles from a hat. I needed head-to-head combat, a tournament of sorts. Then the idea hit me: March Madness, a single-elimination bracket to end all brackets. I would face off every version of a Christmas song, then battle the best against its contemporaries to determine the best song of all.

I first went to BracketHQ, then Challonge, then Office Pool Stop, etc. The problem with these free generators was the limit of either 32 or 64 teams. By the time I had finished my first draft of a list, I had 64 songs in the running. Then, I realized I had forgotten “Last Christmas” (how could I?). I somehow managed to get 128 distinct songs on the list. I needed a power of two since the bracket would converge to two finalists. Lucidchart and the depths of the Internet weren’t going to cut it. Besides, I needed sub-brackets on some of the songs, like those with 16 renditions to compare against. I ended up on Google Sheets and devised my own way to create a bracket.

You too can play along! A blank version of the bracket lives here. The Spotify playlist is also embedded below. I had to eliminate a fair number of songs in the playlist from being included in the bracket, but I’ve kept them in the playlist in case you’re curious.

I also created a list of my “favorite Christmas songs” that I collected as I completed the bracket (highlighted in yellow on the screenshots in the bracket). That is here:

For reference, here is the completed bracket. The following is a description of my elimination process and how I came to crown the winner of the Anika Superstar 2023 Christmas Song Sleigh of the Year. It should be obvious that the following is just my opinion. I honestly didn’t consider any objective criteria for making any decision. Sometimes, as you’ll come to find out, tonal quality is trumped by the sheer “jazziness” of a song. “Lizard brain, goldfish memory” was my motto during this tournament. That being said, let’s get into it!

Version Battles: Left Side

All I Want For Christmas Is You

WINNER: All I Want For Christmas Is You – Michael Bublé

I figured we might as well start off strong (AKA with as much controversy as possible). Mariah did me especially dirty this year. I attended a holiday party on Tuesday and figured that “All I Want For Christmas Is You” would be a safe bet (easy for me to sing in shower circumstances, a crowd favorite, high energy). Oh, how I was wrong. My stand-up comedy and showgirl career are very far in the future, and I have a lot of flop performances to learn and grow from until then. This was one such performance. The wrong song loaded “All I Want For Christmas Is (My Two Front Teeth)”, I wasn’t holding the microphone close enough, the crowd did not carry my performance. Things were bad, and the only thing that didn’t fail was the high note near the end of the song (that, I slayed).

In all seriousness, I love Mariah’s rendition of the song, but oh my goodness, Michael Bublé’s version is so haunting and beautiful. I’m sorry Mariah, I really am, but I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about the way Michael sings “standing right OUTSIDE MY DOOR“. He has invaded my dreams and my every thought. While America and I love the original, I’m not sure that the song should be upbeat, even though that’s what Mariah probably intended. I think Michael Bublé’s somber and unique rendition of the song better evokes the emotions of longing for a loved one. For that reason, Michael Bublé’s version trumps Mariah’s.

It was easy to pick Big Time Rush’s rendition over Fifth Harmony’s. I felt like the girl group was a little to extra; the song didn’t need that many runs. What was less easy was choosing between CeeLo Green and Ingrid Michaelson + Leslie Odom Jr. Cee Lo Green surprised me this year; there are a few more gems we have yet to uncover from his Christmas album, Cee Lo’s Magical Moment. However, ultimately, the violins of Ingrid Michaelson’s version pulled at my heartstrings (pun intended), and I had to choose it.

The metal versions of the song, by Leo and Ashes to New, were troubling and cursed. I have nothing more of value to say about them.

It wasn’t too difficult to select Michael Bublé as the winner, though Ingrid Michaelson’s version earned a spot in the “Hall of Fame”. I think if Michaelson and Odom Jr.’s violin section was combined with Bublé’s vocals, the three of them would be unstoppable.

At its core, I do think “All I Want For Christmas Is You” popularized by Mariah Carey is derivative of Vince Vance and the Valiants’. So does Vince Vance; he filed a lawsuit again last month regarding the uncanny similarities between the songs.

All I Want For Christmas Is You

WINNER: All I Want For Christmas Is You – Vince Vance and the Valiants

This was a tough decision because they mostly sounded alike; however, the retro sound of Vince Vance and the Valiants was more reminiscent, desperate, and mildly depressing (in a good way).

I imagine Kelly and her crew of backup singers performing this song at a fancy hotel lounge, sometime 50 years ago. They are the main event tonight; they sing into vintage microphones for a live audience, with their coiffed tresses and slinky evening dresses. I feel the soulful energy of the ballad as I sip on my martini.

On the other hand, when I listen to Vince Vance and the Valiants’ version, I’m closing up at the local diner on Christmas Day. My lover promised me they would be home by Christmas. Instead, they stopped returning my calls and here I am, clocking out of my shift on the loneliest day of the year. I listlessly wander the streets, smelling like grease and wearing coffee stains on my clothes. I pass by Christmas window displays and houses emanating light and warmth.

Something about the tragedy and desperation of the latter scenario is more powerful to me.

Little Drummer Boy

WINNER: Little Drummer Boy – Bing Crosby

I was pleasantly surprised by the fun and fresh energy JB and Busta Rhymes brought to this classic. Pentatonix’s was cool too, and I do often find myself adding “brrra” and “skippy pa pa pa” to Little Drummer Boy, but surprisingly Justin Bieber’s version was more fun and interesting to me. Johnny Cash took a little too much artistic license for my liking (I think the ‘pa rum pum pum pum’s are important and shouldn’t be skipped). Ultimately, classic won out here with Bing Crosby’s commanding presence in the song.

What Christmas Means To Me

WINNER: What Christmas Means to Me – Cee Lo Green

I first heard Hanson’s version of this song; I loved the high energy and nostalgic feel (though the children-y sound got old after a while). The song reminds me of “Christmas Is All Around” from Love Actually. I was really excited to hear Brett Eldredge’s version, and at first I was really excited by his deep, dark voice. However, he was eliminated for his lack of energy. Who really brought the energy was Cee Lo Freaking Green. Wow. I know I said that a retro feel is nice in cases like Little Drummer Boy or All I Want for Christmas (Vince Vance’s), but this is a different case. Cee Lo Green’s version is so smooth, clean, and powerful in a way that Stevie Wonder’s is not. The poor volume control and faint suggestion of jingle bells is no match for the consistent tinkle of bells and progression of instrumental energy in Cee Lo Green’s.

This Christmas

WINNER: This Christmas – Donny Hathaway

Cee Lo Green put up a commendable fight, but nostalgia for hearing Donny Hathaway’s voice won out here. The classics can win as long as there isn’t a promising contender challenging them. In this case, there wasn’t.

Baby It’s Cold Outside

WINNER: Baby It’s Cold Outside – John Legend, Kelly Clarkson

This, however, is a case where the classic has a formidable challenger. John Legend and Kelly Clarkson’s take on the song is cheeky and at times, hilarious (I’m thinking of the “I’m well aware” lyric). I do think that songs should never feature car horns or sirens because I hit the brakes hard after hearing Murray’s BEEP BEEP in the song. I didn’t think Dean Martin’s original was particularly spellbinding so it wasn’t hard for me to choose the newly written version. Yes, parts of the song are iconic because of the way he sings it, but I don’t think it’s enough. As far as the other versions, I thought Zooey Deschanel was paired with a voice that didn’t suit hers, and Frank Sinatra lacked personality for the first verse of the song (the most important part in my opinion).

Silver Bells

WINNER: Silver Bells – Stevie Wonder

Dean Martin has a very unique way of enunciating his words (or rather, he chooses not to). I love the way he almost-slurs his way through “Silver Bells”. However, when paired against Stevie Wonder’s, the clear and higher-pitched enunciation of “Christmas TIME in the city” is more addictive and magical to me. The others weren’t memorable.

River

WINNER: River – Sam Smith

I felt like Olivia Rodrigo’s version had more teen angst, which I appreciated when thinking about the lyrics of the song. Idina Menzel’s angst and sadness seemed turned inwards, similar to the feel of Kelly Clarkson’s version of All I Want For Christmas Is You. However, it was ultimately Sam Smith’s mournful, angsty and powerful voice that triumphed.

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)

WINNER: The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole’s version is nostalgic and sweet, everything you need to imagine the perfect Christmas. Andy Williams’ version was a strong contender with its regal tone, but it had a weird key change that threw me off. Michael Bublé’s was also memorable, but the feeling evoked by Nat King Cole’s was more dreamy and nostalgic.

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

WINNER: I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – The Ronettes

I thought this would immediately go to The Jackson 5 (since they’re actually kids). However, the instrumental at the beginning of the Ronettes’ version is so beautiful, and they sound childish in the song so I think it works.

Little Saint Nick

WINNER: Little Saint Nick – The Beach Boys

I love this song. It’s so fun and fresh, and definitely a KOIT favorite. That is, the original version by The Beach Boys. The others don’t really hold a candle to the original. I didn’t like the rap vibe introduced by Surfaces, nor did I like the poor imitations done by the others.

Mistletoe and Holly

WINNER: Mistletoe and Holly – Frank Sinatra

I love the tempo of this song, especially when sung by Frank Sinatra. It makes a wistful song feel jazzy and fun. I did not appreciate the liberties that Jack Jones took with the tempo of the song (maybe tempo isn’t the right word); it felt like he was singing off-beat.

Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer

WINNER: Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer – Elmo & Patsy

Elmo and Patsy’s version is niche and endearing to some (not me), and I hope no one ever is forced to hear the other cursed versions.

O Christmas Tree/O Tannenbaum

WINNER: O Tannenbaum – Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole’s version is the most regal, probably because it’s in German and not English. I wonder if German speakers feel the same way about this song when it’s sung in English. Maybe there’s a biblical reference to the tree that I’m missing, but taking the lyrics at its face value, I’m not impressed by “O Christmas Tree”.

The First Noel

WINNER: The First Noel – Frank Sinatra

Another song I don’t particularly love. Frank Sinatra’s version is the most bearable.

Christmas Time Is Here

WINNER: Christmas Time is Here – Vince Guaraldi Trio

I strongly dislike this song. The mumbling children singing the song in A Charlie Brown Christmas are irritating, I have no idea what they’re actually saying. They yo-yo throughout the song with little enunciation, and it bothers me. That being said, I feel like there was no point in three other artists doing covers of this song, and none of them were particularly better than the Charlie Brown kids.

No Place Like Home (for the Holidays)

WINNER: No Place Like Home (for the Holidays) – Perry Como

Now here’s a real Christmas song that I can get behind. The chorus in Perry Como’s original version is cheery and merry. I get the sense that these are all folks on the same Amtrak heading home to their families for the holidays. The Carpenters’ version is, on the other hand, more preacher-y, as if the main singer is giving advice rather than feeling the energy of the song herself.

Caroling Caroling

WINNER: Caroling Caroling – Nat King Cole

This song is such a bop, the tempo is everything. I always find myself grooving to this song, but only the Nat King Cole version. It’s hard to describe my dance move to this song, but imagine a group of backup dancers rumbling and hyping up the main star in the center. That’s me, I’m the backup dancer. Why did the others have to change the tempo? The original sleighs (winter version of “slay”).

Santa Baby

WINNER: Santa Baby – Kelly Clarkson

Hear me out. Eartha Kitt sleighed in the original version, but I don’t love her childish tone in the song. Taylor Swift’s was also too childish, the innocence factor doesn’t really make sense to me for this song. Neither does a too pop-y sound, like Ariana Grande and Liz Gillies’ version (the closer to acoustic, the better). My perfect version of Santa Baby is sexy and confident, yet coy. Kylie Minogue and Madonna took it way too far on the sexy side, and Michael Bublé’s was just odd (Santa “buddy”? Eww). Gwen Stefani’s was simply not very memorable. That leaves us with my queen Kelly Clarkson, who perfectly balances the playful energy of the song. Go Kelly.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

WINNER: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams

Johnny Mathis’s tempo was off and Lea Michele’s “production” of this song was too grand for my liking. Amy Grant’s version is magical and bright, but it is Andy Williams’ classic and simply “wonderful” sound that wins here.

You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch

WINNER: You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch – Thurl Ravenscroft

Thurl is truly an epic name. I have used “thurl” as my Wordle starter for the past year (definition: the hip joint in cattle), and it was a pleasant surprise to hear that it’s an actual name.

As far as the song versions go, none compares to Thurl With the Epic Name’s original. His rich voice perfectly encapsulates the vileness of the original (animated) Grinch. I haven’t seen, and therefore don’t particularly support, the other versions of the movie.

Sleigh Ride

WINNER: Sleigh Ride – The Ronettes

Ring-a-ling-a ding-dong-ding! Much as I love the instrumental version, The Ronettes are the perfect mix of high energy and vintage sound (probably because of the strong chorus). Miley Cyrus’ version was notable, but unfortunately I am not having a yeehaw Christmas this year. I was surprised that Mariah Carey and Liz Gillies fell short here, and I was especially disappointed by Tori Kelly’s R&B take on the song. I appreciated Andy Williams’ fast pace through the song, but ultimately it was the rich harmony of The Ronettes’ version that won.

Let It Snow!

WINNER: Let It Snow! – Frank Sinatra

Singing “Let It Snow!” three times > singing “Let It Snow!” one or two times.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

WINNER: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Perry Como

FYI, this is the version you’ve heard in every movie or TV commercial. An unrivaled classic. Kelly’s version was too “epic”, and Bing Crosby’s was too slow-paced for my taste. Michael Bublé’s is soon becoming a classic, but for now, the “vintage classic” sound (with the most exciting intro) wins.

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

WINNER: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee

I was surprised that there were so many strong contenders for this song. No one else’s was particularly memorable except for Miley Cyrus’s, her voice fits the song well but doesn’t have the same staying power as Brenda Lee’s.

Adeste Fideles

WINNER: Adeste Fideles – Bing Crosby

No one truly challenged Bing Crosby’s commanding voice; I didn’t realize this song was the Latin original to “O Come All Ye Faithful”.

Blue Christmas

WINNER: Blue Christmas – The Lumineers

I cried when I heard The Lumineers’ version (which I only found when creating this bracket). Now, I think it’s going to be on my forever playlist. Dean Martin and Elvis’s versions are pretty similar, but I think my biased love for his voice and intonation makes his version more special to me (and worthy of a spot on my Xmas Faves playlist). However, Dean Martin’s semi-country take on the song doesn’t have the same drowning, ocean of melancholy effect as The Lumineers’.

Frosty the Snowman

WINNER: Frosty the Snowman – Bing Crosby

Not much commentary here, the most jolly and friendly voice wins, and that is Bing Crosby.

Christmas Don’t Be Late

WINNER: The Chipmunk Song – Alvin and the Chipmunks

The ear-tickling, dulcet tones of Alvin and his squirrel-y friends are unmatched. The beautiful way Alvin emphasizes his need for a huuuuula hoop is compelling. I want a hula hoop, too. Kacey Musgraves’ attempt was commendable but not convincing.

Silent Night

WINNER: Silent Night – Mariah Carey

Mariah is beautiful and powerful here. The others aren’t. I didn’t love that Taylor Swift changed the vibe of the song.

Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

WINNER: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love

Mariah was done dirty here, being eliminated early along the likes of Lady A. Her “Silent Night” win is a somewhat fair consolation, but she still gets a special spot on the playlist for this rendition of “Christmas” (the runs are spectacular). So does Michael Bublé for his; his renditions of classics-made-depressing are so underrated. Darlene Love’s is something else altogether: soulful-yet-joyful, dynamic and powerful. Warmth emanates from her original version of the song, despite its melancholy lyrics, which is what I needed.

We Wish You the Merriest

WINNER: We Wish You the Merriest

I think this song is more fun and exciting considering that Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby are two Christmas greats, almost like two friends reuniting for the holidays. I don’t think Crosby and Sinatra were actually friends, more like friendly colleagues (which is disappointing but understandable, like how Sid Malhotra and Varun Dhawan aren’t friends either… we can’t force colleagues to like each other). I love Liz Gillies, but unfortunately, her songs fall short on this bracket.

Up on the House Top

WINNER: Up on the House Top – Gene Autry

I thought the sweet children sound of The Jackson 5 would be better suited to this song, but I was wrong. The smooth and mellow tone of Gene Autry’s version is better than the somewhat raucous sound of The Jackson 5’s.

What Child is This

WINNER: What Child is This – Bing Crosby

I didn’t particularly know or care for this song, but given my relative unfamiliarity to the song, I picked a familiar, known classic singer.

Version Battles: Right Side

All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)

WINNER: All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth) – Melissa Lynch

Alvin and the Chipmunks each already have two teeth (and quite splendorous ones at that), whereas Melissa Lynch does not. Her rendition is authentic and sincere.

Mary Did You Know?

WINNER: Mary Did You Know? – Cee Lo Green

I was spellbound by Cee Lo Green’s version of this classic. Dolly Parton’s was too “on the nose” for my liking; I appreciated the drama and epicness of the former’s version better.

My Favorite Things

WINNER: My Favorite Things – Julie Andrews

The original is the best and most merry. Kelly was too extra (don’t be greedy, Kelly), and Mary J. Blige was too eerie and foreboding.

Christmas in New Orleans

WINNER: Christmas in New Orleans – Louis Armstrong

Armstrong’s trumpet solo is as captivating as ever. What a gift.

Happy Xmas (War is Over)

WINNER: Happy Xmas (War is Over) – John Lennon, Yoko Ono

Miley Cyrus’s version was a fair challenge to the original, but the children’s chorus in the original is more impactful. The other versions are lackluster in my opinion.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

WINNER: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Frank Sinatra

The eerie chorus singing “make the yuletide gay” in Frank Sinatra’s version is good enough to grant his version a spot on my year-round car playlist. I appreciate how Frank Sinatra’s version recognizes the melancholy meaning of the song and still champions hope. The other versions, I found, got stuck in their sadness, like Sam Smith and Phoebe Bridgers’.

Winter Wonderland

WINNER: Winter Wonderland – Bing Crosby

I love the “zang” at the beginning of Bill Crosby’s version, it’s so fun.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

WINNER: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer – Gene Autry

I despise the notion that Rudolph should ever be called “Rudy”, I will always be disappointed in Dean Martin for this one.

Holly Jolly Christmas

WINNER: Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives

This song is better suited to Burl Ives’ voice. His version is too classic to ignore.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

WINNER: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole makes this song so beautiful and joyful.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

WINNER: Do You Hear What I Hear? – Bing Crosby

I don’t like this song at all, but Bing Crosby’s authoritative command makes it bearable.

Happy Holiday

WINNER: Happy Holiday – Andy Williams

Peggy Lee’s new lyrics were a fun twist, but Andy Williams’ ghost would haunt me in my sleep if I didn’t pick his bop.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

WINNER: The Twelve Days of Christmas – Bing Crosby

I don’t like the liberties Frank Sinatra took with the lyrics. Considering that the twelve days of Christmas are actually birds, I almost went with his, but then I looked at the pictures of the birds and changed my mind. The drummers drumming are so cute!

A Marshmallow World

WINNER: A Marshmallow World – Dean Martin

One day, I will choreograph The Rockettes, and I will select this song. It’s so jazzy and wonderful, Dean Martin truly makes it a joy to listen to. If Dean Martin’s is the version for The Rockettes, then Francesca Battistelli’s is the version for Target commercials.

Someday at Christmas

WINNER: Someday at Christmas – Stevie Wonder

The innocence of The Jackson 5 (and JB) is appreciated but Stevie Wonder’s version has the most impact on me as a listener. This is a great song.

Christmas Wrapping

WINNER: Christmas Wrapping – The Waitresses

This is a pretty annoying song, best to leave it to the original monotonous voices to carry it out.

Joy to the World

WINNER: Joy to the World

I don’t think this song needs to be very high energy (which is what Mariah brought to the table); Nat King Cole’s simple, celebratory delivery is best.

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

WINNER: I’ll Be Home for Christmas – Kelly Clarkson

I think this song will always be somewhat ruined for me by Camila Cabello, which is a shame because I love this song and the mariachi instrumentals in her version. Josh Groban’s version was particularly heartbreaking because of the voice notes he included. Kelly’s version does it all; the emotional expression and simplicity of her version are too much to bear.

Last Christmas

WINNER: Last Christmas – Wham!

Taylor Swift’s version was too markedly different from the original. Ariana’s was too pop-y once again. I was pleasantly surprised by the Glee Cast’s version, but Wham’s original is too magical to be surpassed.

White Christmas

WINNER: White Christmas – The Drifters

I love the two takes on this song: the more classical one best characterized by Bing Crosby’s version, and The Drifters’ fun and silly version. Silly wins most of the time.

Jingle Bells

WINNER: Jingle Bells – Frank Sinatra

I learned that I don’t like the Puppini or Andrews Sisters… their voices were nice but both of their takes were odd. Also, Dean Martin’s intentional syncopation is not appreciated (by me).

Jingle Bell Rock

WINNER: Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms

Both finalists’ versions were great, but the “classic factor” takes Bobby Helms’ version over the edge.

Please Come Home for Christmas

WINNER: Please Come Home for Christmas – Eagles

I think I just really like depressing Christmas songs. This one is spectacular, and there were so many good versions.

Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town

WINNER: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town

I don’t understand how people can enjoy the Bruce Springsteen version of this song. This clearly is, and has always been, a Jackson 5 song.

Mele Kalikimaka

WINNER: Mele Kalikimaka – Bing Crosby

I’m pretty sure Kacey Musgraves pronounced “mele” incorrectly. Interesting video about the linguistics of the phrase here.

O Holy Night

WINNER: O Holy Night – Mariah Carey

Now this is a Mariah slay. This is the perfect place for all of her runs and whistle notes. I want my house to rumble and shake when this song is played, and Mariah’s version will get us there.

Run Run Rudolph

WINNER: Run Run Rudolph – Kelly Clarkson

Her version made me like the song.

Merry Christmas Baby

WINNER: Merry Christmas Baby – Lawrence

I didn’t know about this song until this year, and I love it. I know Kelly Clarkson’s version is different from Lawrence’s, but at this point I was too tired to restructure the bracket again. Her song is better than the ones behind it on the bracket, and Lawrence’s is better than hers.

When Christmas Comes

WINNER: When Christmas Comes – Mariah Carey + John Legend

The song is better with John Legend because the more the merrier.

We Need a Little Christmas

WINNER: We Need a Little Christmas – Johnny Mathis

I was surprised to find Sufjan Stevens in this bracket. Nevertheless, Johnny Mathis’s version is superior to the rest with its merry, bright, and fast-paced energy.

Thus concludes the version battles of the bracket. I could go into depth and detail about the rest of the choices in the bracket, but I think I would be writing a short book at that point. Let’s skip straight to the finals. I have embedded the full bracket that has all of my original notes.

Song Battles: Finals

A Marshmallow World vs. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

WINNER: A Marshmallow World – Dean Martin

I struggled a lot with this choice and have been mulling it over the past few weeks. I didn’t want to pick a sad song (Christmas), but I also wanted something recognizable (A Marshmallow World needs the same publicity that “Mamacita” is getting this year). The jazziness of A Marshmallow World holds up well, but the pure emotion of Baby Please Come Home is so vast and undeniable. It’s a fantastic song, and it’s one I can listen to forever. However, the fun and carefree energy of “A Marshmallow World” is what I resonate most with this Christmas season. A truly underrated gem, and the winner of the Anika Superstar 2023 Christmas Song Sleigh of the Year award. Enjoy the following live performance with Frank Sinatra.