Actress Cynthia Nixon made a notable appearance in pop star Olivia Rodrigo’s new music video for her holiday single, ‘Take Me Home (4 Christmas)’. Released on Thursday, November 5, the festive visual features Nixon among a cast celebrating the season, contributing to the early buzz around Rodrigo’s latest track as it launched.
The video portrays a family gathering in holiday sweaters, where Nixon and fellow celebrity guest Ben Marshall are seen engaging in a game of Head’s Up. In this segment, participants attempt to guess Olivia Rodrigo’s name, which is taped to their foreheads, as teased in a preview released days before the track’s official debut, according to Billboard. The single itself, produced by Dan Nigro, marks Rodrigo’s first-ever holiday song.
‘Take Me Home (4 Christmas)’ arrives shortly after Rodrigo’s recent remix of ‘Expectations’, featuring Chappell Roan, which helped the track from her ‘you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love’ album reach No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The release is part of a wave of new holiday music this week, preceding albums from artists like Alanis Morissette and Sufjan Stevens.
A Festive Release Amidst Tour Dates
The new holiday single integrates into Olivia Rodrigo’s ongoing Unraveled Tour, which has scheduled performances across the United States and Canada through December 20. This timing suggests that audiences attending these concerts may have the opportunity to experience ‘Take Me Home (4 Christmas)’ live as the holiday season approaches, with the tour set to resume after a short break in January.
The festive video and song provide a new dimension to Rodrigo’s musical output, building on her recent chart success. The strategic release during her active tour and the holiday music season ensures heightened visibility and engagement with her international fanbase across North America.
Navigating Musical Inspiration and Plagiarism Claims
Rodrigo’s new song has prompted online discussions regarding its perceived similarities to ‘Christmas Wrapping’ by the Waitresses. Internet users quickly pointed out a detached vocal style and a ‘jolly, yet twangy track’ reminiscent of the 1980s holiday classic, as reported by Gold Derby. However, Rodrigo proactively addressed this by reaching out to Chris Butler, the writer of ‘Christmas Wrapping’, before her single’s release, sharing her appreciation and the inspiration for her new song.
Butler himself defended Rodrigo on social media, clarifying that her song contained ‘no copy of ‘CW’s melody/chord progression/nothing to justify a claim,’ and emphasizing the distinction between homage and plagiarism, noting one ‘can’t © a ‘vibe’.’ This explanation contrasts with situations faced by other Grammy hopefuls, Olivia Dean and Stella Lefty, who have drawn criticism over alleged melodic similarities or distancing themselves from prior covers, according to Gold Derby.
This scenario highlights the growing scrutiny in the music industry over intellectual property and creative influence, particularly in the digital age where immediate online reactions can rapidly escalate. Rodrigo’s transparent approach to musical homage serves as a notable example for artists globally, potentially shaping future practices around acknowledging inspiration and navigating plagiarism accusations in an increasingly interconnected and vigilant music landscape. The ease with which ‘internet reactionaries’ (as Gold Derby described some critics) can spread accusations underscores the need for clarity from creators and rights holders alike.
As Olivia Rodrigo continues her Unraveled Tour and awaits potential Grammy nominations, the reception of ‘Take Me Home (4 Christmas)’ and the clear communication regarding its inspiration will likely remain a talking point. The incident sets a precedent for how artists can acknowledge their influences while navigating the critical eyes of digital fandoms and the broader music industry, ensuring original work is celebrated while inspiration is transparently credited.
Image: illustrative, AI-generated
Sources consulted
- Queerty: Benito Skinner’s drip, Cynthia Nixon’s favorite lesbian, & a walk through gay history
- Gold Derby: Why Olivia Rodrigo’s Chrismas song ‘controversy’ won’t sink her Grammys odds
- Billboard: Olivia Rodrigo Unwraps Holiday Single ‘Take Me Home (4 Christmas)’: Stream It Now
Livia Dorne covers film, television, music, and pop culture with a keen editorial perspective. She delivers engaging commentary, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep readers connected to the entertainment world. Her style blends critique with storytelling.
