You Can Now Listen to ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ in Spanish Thanks to AI
Art by Stephany Torres for Remezcla.
Brenda Lee’s Christmas staple “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” got a Spanish-language makeover thanks to Universal Music Group’s MicDrop AI project. On Oct. 24, Universal Music Group released the classic’s new version “Noche Buena y Navidad,” with the original singer’s authorization.
“I am so blown away by this new Spanish version of ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,’ which was created by AI,” Lee shared online. “Throughout my career, I performed and recorded many songs in different languages, but I never recorded ‘Rockin’’ in Spanish, which I would have loved to do. To have this out now is pretty incredible and I’m happy to introduce the song in a new way to fans.”
The new AI version echoes the original English version released back in 1958 and recorded when Lee was only 13. The now 66-year-old’s track remains one of the most listened-to Christmas classics. The original has garnered over one billion streams on Spotify and is her most popular song on the platform. Lee is also known for her other hits like “Emotions,” “Break It To Me Gently,” and “I’m Sorry.”
“We are thrilled to work with Brenda Lee to making ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree’ the first classic song translated responsibly into another language with the power of AI,” the UMe President & CEO, Bruce Resnikoff, reportedly said. “We are also very excited about the possibilities of this emerging technology and look forward to harnessing its capabilities to introduce new material created by and approved by our artists.”
Fans are praising the new song. A YouTube user, @TheLordDashing, said: “In all my years of life I never thought I would hear a Spanish version of this beautiful Christmas classic.” Another YouTube user, @susanfox6081, commented: “Just as charming as the original! This is what AI was made for.”
Listen to “Noche Buena y Navidad” below.