Listen to John Legend and Kelly Clarkson’s new twist on ‘Baby It's Cold Outside’

LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 20:  Recording artist John Legend (L) and host Kelly Clarkson speak onstage during the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 20, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Credit: Kevin Winter

Credit: Kevin Winter

LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 20: Recording artist John Legend (L) and host Kelly Clarkson speak onstage during the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 20, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Springfield native John Legend has a “legendary” twist on a holiday classic.

Legend’s deluxe version of his Christmas album “A Legendary Christmas” is available today, Nov. 8.

The updated release includes a new duet with Kelly Clarkson. It’s a modern-day, reimagination of “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”

This version has updated lyrics written by John and Natasha Rothwell of the HBO series Insecure, presumably to counteract the problematic nature of the song's original words. 

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' writer's daughter says song isn't about date rape

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 22: John Legend performs onstage at Vanity Fair's 6th Annual New Establishment Summit at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on October 22, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)

Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer

icon to expand image

Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer

According to Rolling Stone, the "reimagined" duet aims to modernize the song's outdated and sometimes troubling lyrics, with the male suitor now graciously calling his female partner a cab: "I really can't stay (Baby it's cold outside)/I've gotta go away (I can call you a ride)/This evening has been (So glad that you dropped in)/So very nice (Time spent with you is paradise)/My mother will start to worry (I'll call a car and tell 'em to hurry)."

>> John Legend makes surprise visit to Oregon District to show support in aftermath of shooting

 

The other new tracks are covers of "This Christmas," "My Favorite Things" and "Christmas In New Orleans."  The album's available for pre-order now.

>> Here’s what happened at John Legend’s special show at Blind Bob’s

About the Author