Unwrap the Laughter: Jimmy Fallon, Ariana Grande, and Megan Thee Stallion Deliver a Timely ‘Masked Christmas’ Anthem

This holiday season has certainly received an unexpected dose of cheer, courtesy of an unforgettable collaboration between late-night host Jimmy Fallon and two of music’s biggest stars, Ariana Grande and Megan Thee Stallion. In a festive landscape often dominated by timeless classics and traditional carols, this trio has injected a fresh, contemporary, and incredibly relevant twist into the holiday music scene with their single, “It Was A… (Masked Christmas).” The song arrived as a delightful surprise, instantly capturing attention with its playful yet poignant take on celebrating during an ongoing global pandemic.

For years, Mariah Carey has comfortably held her undisputed title as the “Queen of Christmas,” but the festive season of 2021 saw an exciting surge of new holiday music vying for listeners’ attention. Hot on the heels of Elton John and Ed Sheeran’s highly anticipated holiday duet, Jimmy Fallon decided to join the festive fun, and he certainly didn’t come alone. The host of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon brilliantly recruited pop sensation Ariana Grande and rap icon Megan Thee Stallion for “It Was A… (Masked Christmas),” a holiday anthem that could only have emerged from the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 era. This star-studded collaboration brings together diverse musical talents, blending pop, rap, and comedic sensibilities into a track that’s both catchy and culturally significant.

The song itself is a masterclass in timely humor and relatable observations. As Jimmy and Ariana harmoniously sing about the new realities of holiday celebrations – from wearing face masks to eagerly awaiting booster shots – the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a Christmas unlike any other. The accompanying music video further elevates the experience, featuring Megan Thee Stallion in a memorable role as a sexy nurse, playfully ready to administer vaccine shots. Her appearance adds a layer of unexpected comedy and a touch of her signature “Hot Girl” energy, perfectly complementing Fallon’s jovial persona and Grande’s angelic vocals. The visual narrative is both amusing and a clever nod to the collective experiences and hopes for a healthier future that defined the preceding years.

Jimmy Fallon first teased the world about this exciting new song on a Monday afternoon (December 6), building immediate anticipation. His tweet quickly went viral: “Guys. I can’t believe I’m typing this but – I’m dropping a new single and video tonight with [Ariana] and [Megan].” The announcement, accompanied by the single’s vibrant artwork, ignited a flurry of excitement across social media platforms. Fans and fellow celebrities alike expressed their enthusiasm. Ariana Grande’s mother, Joan Grande, enthusiastically replied, “I am so damn excited!!!”, while Ariana herself affectionately responded to her mom with, “You are so incredibly cute. Thank you mama!” On her own Twitter page, Ariana Grande shared her joy, writing that making the song was “the most fun ever. Love you !!!! both so much,” to which Megan Thee Stallion simply replied, “Love y’all.” This outpouring of positive sentiment underscored the genuine camaraderie and excitement surrounding the collaboration, highlighting the artists’ shared enjoyment in creating something special for the holidays.

Guys. I can’t believe I’m typing this but – I’m dropping a new single and video tonight with @ArianaGrande and @theestallion. Midnight EST. Pre-save: ​​https://t.co/2g7oR5l4Tu #ItWasAMaskedChristmas

— jimmy fallon (@jimmyfallon) December 6, 2021

Ariana Grande is, by no means, a newcomer to the realm of Christmas music. Her angelic vocals and knack for festive tunes have made her a recurring presence during the holiday season. She has previously delighted fans with two dedicated holiday EPs: 2013’s enchanting Christmas Kisses and 2015’s sultry Christmas & Chill. These projects showcased her versatility, moving between classic holiday cheer and more contemporary, R&B-infused festive tracks. Beyond her solo efforts, Grande has also lent her voice to several high-profile collaborations. In 2019, she joined forces with the legendary Idina Menzel for “A Hand for Mrs. Claus,” featured on Menzel’s album Christmas: A Season of Love. The following year, she teamed up with none other than Mariah Carey and Jennifer Hudson for a star-studded rendition of “Oh Santa!” from the Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special Soundtrack. This collaboration was particularly significant, positioning Grande firmly within the pantheon of modern Christmas music icons. In fact, “It Was A… (Masked Christmas)” isn’t even Ariana’s sole contribution to the 2021 holiday music landscape, as she also featured on Kelly Clarkson’s “Santa, Can’t You Hear Me,” from Clarkson’s album When Christmas Comes Around… This extensive discography solidifies Ariana Grande’s position as a significant voice in modern holiday music, constantly bringing new melodies and collaborations to the festive period. Her consistent engagement with Christmas-themed projects demonstrates her love for the season and her ability to adapt her distinctive vocal style to both traditional and innovative holiday arrangements.

For Megan Thee Stallion, “It Was A… (Masked Christmas)” marks a unique and exciting foray into the holiday music genre, a departure from her usual hard-hitting rap anthems. Prior to this, her closest venture into Christmas-themed content was “Savage Santa,” a clever remix of her smash hit “Savage” created for an episode of The Late Late Show with James Corden. That particular performance surprisingly worked, with Megan delivering festive, Christmas-themed lyrics over the instantly recognizable “Savage” beat, showcasing her comedic timing and adaptability. Her collaboration with Fallon and Grande demonstrates her willingness to experiment and engage in lighthearted projects that expand her artistic reach beyond her established rap persona. This playful side of Megan, seen in “Savage Santa” and now “Masked Christmas,” highlights her versatility and ability to connect with a broader audience through humor and unexpected collaborations. One can only hope James Corden isn’t too jealous that Megan opted for “reindeer games” with Jimmy this time around!

Jimmy Fallon’s role as the orchestrator of this festive collaboration is also noteworthy. Known for his musical comedy sketches and ability to bring together diverse talents on The Tonight Show, Fallon is no stranger to creating viral, star-studded musical moments. His enthusiasm is infectious, and his comedic timing is impeccable, making him the ideal host to lead a project that blends humor with a timely message. “It Was A… (Masked Christmas)” fits perfectly within his brand of entertaining and lighthearted celebrity collaborations, demonstrating his knack for producing content that resonates with popular culture. The song is not just a holiday tune; it’s a testament to the power of entertainment to reflect and lighten the collective mood during challenging times, proving that even amidst health concerns, there’s always room for a little holiday cheer and laughter.

Beyond her musical endeavors, Megan Thee Stallion continues to solidify her brand as a savvy businesswoman. She recently spoke with HollywoodLife about her “Hot Girl Enterprises” Cash By Cash App apparel collection, which she highlighted as an excellent stocking stuffer for the holiday season. “We called this collection ‘Hot Girl Enterprise’ for a reason – because it captures my sexiness and sophistication,” she shared in the EXCLUSIVE interview. “I’m always working on being the best version of myself, and that’s the message I want to send to all my Hotties with this drop.” This venture showcases Megan’s entrepreneurial spirit and her commitment to empowering her fanbase through fashion and positive messaging, extending her influence far beyond the music charts. Her ability to seamlessly transition from chart-topping hits to impactful business ventures underscores her multifaceted talent and ambition.

Ultimately, “It Was A… (Masked Christmas)” stands out as a memorable and incredibly timely addition to the holiday music canon. It successfully navigates the delicate balance between acknowledging the realities of the pandemic and infusing the festive season with much-needed joy and humor. The unexpected yet brilliant pairing of Jimmy Fallon, Ariana Grande, and Megan Thee Stallion has resulted in a song that is not only catchy and fun but also a unique cultural artifact of its time. It’s a celebration of resilience, a nod to shared experiences, and a reminder that even in unprecedented circumstances, the spirit of Christmas — and a good laugh — can always find a way to shine through. This collaboration offers a refreshing take on holiday music, destined to become a staple for future generations looking back at how we celebrated a truly “masked Christmas.”