BTS‘ V has dropped his own twist on the holiday classic ‘White Christmas’, in collaboration with Bing Crosby’s estate.
The new rendition of the 1942 classic was released today (December 6) alongside an animated music video posted on Crosby’s YouTube channel. The song’s accompanying visual features Crosby dressed as Santa, while V’s late pet dog, Yeontan, makes an appearance.
“I’m so grateful to have had the chance to be featured in a song with my all time favourite jazz artist, Bing Crosby,” V said of the release in a press statement.
“I grew up listening to his song ‘It’s Been a Long, Long Time’ countless times a day, and I feel incredibly fortunate and honoured to have sung along on ‘White Christmas’ with the voice of someone I consider an idol.”
He continued: “Being a huge fan of his, I sang with the utmost sincerity and admiration for him, and I hope many people enjoy it as much as I enjoyed singing it. Lastly, I wish a lovely holiday season to everyone listening to the song.”
Crosby’s children, Mary and Harry Crosby, shared their excitement regarding the new remix. “As a family, we are thrilled to have V and Dad singing together on this ultimate Christmas song,” Mary said. “Their voices blend beautifully, capturing the holiday spirit in the best possible way.”
The new ‘White Christmas’ remake marks Crosby’s first cross-generational collaboration in 47 years, when he and David Bowie joined forces in 1977. The song also comes after V’s cover of another holiday tune, ‘It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas’, was shared on Crosby’s social media. That song was recorded by Crosby in 1951.
V recently made numerous appearances on Spotify’s Top 10 most-streamed K-pop songs and artists lists, shared by the streaming service as part of its annual Wrapped event for 2024. His solo track ‘Love Me Again’ was named the fourth most-streamed song this year, while ‘FRI(END)S’ came in at Number Seven.
V himself took the Number Seven spot on the most-streamed K-pop acts list. Other artists appearing on both lists alongside him are his band BTS and bandmates Jungkook and Jimin with their solo endeavours.