Wham! is back at the top of the U.K. charts with their iconic holiday classic 'Last Christmas.' The 1984 hit has made significant waves this season, standing strong as the contender for the prestigious Christmas No. 1 title. This latest surge marks the eighth non-consecutive week the song has been number one since it first climbed the charts on New Year’s Day 2021.
Originally released as part of the double A-side single alongside 'Everything She Wants,' 'Last Christmas' is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. For the first time ever, it has reached the coveted Christmas No. 1 position this year. Competing against other classic favorites like Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' and Brenda Lee's 'Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,' Wham! has positioned itself as the one to beat.
Despite the song’s success, it first fell short of the festive top spot back when it was unveiled, being eclipsed by Band Aid’s charity smash 'Do They Know It’s Christmas?' But times have changed, and the emotional resonance of George Michael's poignant lyrics continues to touch hearts, propelling 'Last Christmas' back to the limelight.
George Michael’s band mate Andrew Ridgeley, reflecting on the song's legacy, revealed some fascinating backstory during the production of the documentary 'Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped.' Alongside his bandmates, Ridgeley recalled how Michael wrote the song during downtime at his family home. “He came back down about an hour later and said, ‘Andy, you’ve got to hear this,’” Ridgeley shared. “It was instantly recognisable as a song of quite some genius.” This moment encapsulated the spontaneity and creativity synonymous with their partnership.
What makes the story of 'Last Christmas' even more significant is the blend of joy and sorrow it evokes, particularly after Michael's passing on Christmas Day 2016, at the age of 53. Ridgeley expressed his feelings about losing such a close friend, admitting it was devastating. “I never conceived of a future without him,” he revealed, underscoring the deep bond they shared.
Competing tracks this season have also garnered attention. YouTube influencer Mark Hoyle, known as LadBaby, holds the record for the most Christmas No. 1 titles, having scored five between 2018 and 2022, surpassing the Beatles' historic achievement. Other contenders this week include Tom Grennan with his new Christmas single 'It Can’t Be Christmas,' peaking at No. 6, and Kelly Clarkson's beloved 'Underneath the Tree,' now making its Top 10 debut after years of establishing itself as a beloved holiday track.
Various surveys have revealed 'Last Christmas' isn't always the crowd favorite when it turns to polls. A recent survey conducted by Betway among 1000 adults showed it claiming the number two position as the British public's favorite Christmas song, narrowly beaten by another classic. Nevertheless, it remains entrenched as one of the most enduring hits of the holiday season.
Reflecting on the emotional reasons behind writing 'Last Christmas,' Ridgeley and other bandmates expressed how the song allowed Michael to express feelings he couldn’t openly convey. “Christmas was bigger than him, so he could disguise himself in Christmas,” Shirlie Kemp chimed during the documentary.
Trailing closely behind Wham!'s revival are other beloved holiday tracks, including Bobby Helms's 'Jingle Bell Rock' and Ariana Grande's 'Santa Tell Me.' The top tier of the charts is filled with familiar tunes, making the festive spirit palpable across generations.
That said, the relevance of 'Last Christmas' has not waned as it continues to stir nostalgia and emotional connection for many fans. The blend of longing, love, and seasonal cheer resonates with listeners year after year, cementing the song's place in holiday traditions.
With the Official Singles Chart set to announce the Christmas No. 1 spot soon, anticipation mounts around whether Wham! will claim the top title once more. Ridgeley remains hopeful, stating, “It makes me feel very grateful and thankful for what Wham! means to people.” This year's competition will undoubtedly go down as one for the books, marking not just the success of 'Last Christmas,' but also the legacy of George Michael and his musical genius.
With 26 Christmas songs lurking within the Top 40, the festive atmosphere remains vibrant and full of life, echoing with the classics of yesteryear. From 'Let It Snow!' by Dean Martin at No. 21 to 'Feliz Navidad' by José Feliciano at No. 27, the U.K. is enveloped by the musical spirit of the holiday, fostering feelings of unity and celebration.
On the horizon, Andrew Ridgeley and his fellow bandmates prepare to commemorate their beloved track through the upcoming documentary on BBC Two, offering fans renewed insights and perhaps tears of nostalgia. The return of 'Last Christmas' manifests not just as chart success, but also as legacy—an enduring reminder not only of festive cheer but of love and loss, woven together as only music can do.
Will 'Last Christmas' hold strong against the contemporary contenders? The countdown continues as we inch closer to the Christmas No. 1 announcement on December 20, with the festive classic leading the charge yet again.
