Wham!'s classic holiday hit "Last Christmas" is poised to reign once again over the UK singles chart, with predictions indicating it might secure the coveted Christmas Number One position for the second year running. The song has captured the hearts of listeners, positioning itself above current competitors, including Tom Grennan's new single and Mariah Carey's perennial favorite, "All I Want for Christmas Is You.
Reportedly, the race for the top spot this festive season initially seemed tilted toward Band Aid with their much-anticipated release of an updated version of "Do They Know It’s Christmas?" marking four decades since the original. Whenever such nostalgic favorites emerge, they often create significant buzz and expectation. Yet, recent midweek chart updates reveal Band Aid is currently not even within the top 10. Instead, it's Grennan who has secured the number two position with his new song, positioning him as the runner-up to Wham!
The final results are still pending, with the Christmas Number One to be announced on December 20th at around 6 PM. Until then, Wham!, fronted by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, remains at the forefront. Betting odds reflect their lead, cementing their classic's place on the charts once more.
Meanwhile, the betting odds for the 2024 Christmas Number One show a mix of nostalgia and new talent. Classics like "Last Christmas" and "All I Want for Christmas Is You" are vying for the crown with newcomers like Grennan's "It Can’t Be Christmas". The mix of old and new means fans are spoiled for choice this holiday season.
Who is Tom Grennan? For those not familiar, Grennan has been active for nearly ten years after breaking onto the music scene following his nomination for the BBC’s Sound of 2017. His debut album peaked at number five, proving his worth as both performer and songwriter. With the success of his follow-up albums, Grennan has established himself firmly as one of the leading contemporary artists, and he recently showed his dedication to claiming the Christmas title with a new tattoo featuring the phrase "Christmas no. 1 2024 is…" inked on his thigh.
Despite his efforts and enthusiasm, odds suggest he faces stiff competition. With projections putting him at 14/1, Grennan has less than a 7% chance to overtake Wham! as Christmas approaches. Can he make the magic happen? Time will tell!
What's fascinating about this year’s Christmas chart is not just the emergence of new songs but also the resurgence of classics, indicative of how the music industry has evolved. Since the turn of the millennium, Christmas charts have often been dominated by reality TV acts, particularly the winners of the X-Factor. The last decade, though, has seen significant changes, including how charts are calculated with streaming figures now complementing traditional physical sales. This shift has resulted in older tracks appearing more frequently at the top.
Alongside the excitement of the chart races, Ridgeley recently shared touching reflections on the legacy of "Last Christmas" and the late George Michael. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Ridgeley discussed coming to terms with the loss of his longtime partner and friend, highlighting both the ache of personal loss and the comfort found through their shared artistic contributions. "Time is a great healer," Ridgeley noted, emphasizing the importance of music as a means of perseverance.
The documentary Ridgeley is involved with aims to unravel the history and heart behind the beloved holiday song, offering insights not just about its commercial success but also about the emotional resonance it holds for fans and artists alike. Ridgeley’s perspective is particularly poignant, illuminating the relationship between the duo as well as the song's cultural impact.
Today, "Last Christmas" remains not only a staple for holiday playlists but also resonates deeply with fans who share personal stories and memories associated with the track. It has become synonymous with the festive season, encapsulating the bittersweet nature of love and loss. Thanks to streaming platforms and radio play, the song continues to reach new audiences and maintain its status as one of the key tracks of the holiday season.
It’s fascinating how music can transcend time, creating bridges between generations and allowing shared experiences through song. This year again reinforces the idea of nostalgia, reminding listeners of the past joys and heartaches during the festive season. With only days left until the immortal battle for the Christmas Number One, the pressure mounts, but Wham's legacy shines brightly through it all.
Whether or not Grennan can conquer the classic remains uncertain, but one thing is for sure: with Wham! leading the charge, the harmonies of "Last Christmas" will undoubtedly fill homes across the UK and beyond, fostering cherished holiday memories.
