Wham!'s iconic holiday hit 'Last Christmas' has made history by capturing the Christmas number one spot on the UK charts for the second consecutive year, as confirmed by the Official Charts Company on December 20. The 1984 single, written by George Michael and performed by the duo—composed of Michael and Andrew Ridgeley—achieved this unprecedented feat, making it the first song ever to hold the prestigious title two years running.
This milestone holds added significance as it coincides with the recent release of the 'Last Christmas' 40th Anniversary EP, and it also falls just days before the anniversary of Michael's untimely passing on Christmas Day in 2016 at the age of 53. Ridgeley expressed mixed emotions about this achievement, stating, "I’m especially pleased for George. He would have been utterly delighted. His fabulous Christmas composition has become such a classic, almost as much a part of Christmas as mince pies, turkey, and pigs in blankets.”
'Last Christmas' secured its position as the most streamed and physically purchased song over the week leading up to Christmas, with over 12.6 million streams recorded according to the Official Charts Company. The song now joins the ranks of other British music legends, including Queen, The Spice Girls, and The Beatles, who have also celebrated multiple Christmas number ones.
Previously, 'Last Christmas' was famously held off the number one position during its original release by Band Aid’s charity single 'Do They Know It’s Christmas?' Now, four decades later, the beloved track has finally claimed its place at the top alongside rising stars. Ridgeley reflected on the song’s enduring appeal, stating, "It’s testimony to a really wonderful Christmas song; it evokes and embodies the Christmas spirit many people cherish.”
This year's Christmas number one battle was fierce, with prime competition from artists like American pop sensation Gracie Abrams, who landed the second spot with her song 'That’s So True,' and Mariah Carey, whose 1994 classic 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' secured third. Both artists vied for their place among this year's festive favorites, but none could dethrone the timeless charm of 'Last Christmas.'
Now part of the select group of artists with multiple Christmas hits, Wham! joins the likes of LadBaby, who currently leads the way with five Christmas number ones, and others who have etched their names in UK Christmas chart history. Martin Talbot, chief executive of the Official Charts Company, praised Wham!'s achievement, declaring 'Last Christmas' as “the British nation’s all-time favorite Christmas song,” reflecting how it has transcended generations since its inception.
Ridgeley vocalized gratitude to fans old and new who continue to support the song, saying, “I’d like to thank everyone who has listened to, downloaded, bought, and streamed 'Last Christmas' and been a part of history.” With its rich legacy now reaffirmed by another successful holiday season, 'Last Christmas' stands as not just another chart song but as a cherished part of Christmas culture.
This year’s festivities also saw Tom Grennan achieving personal bests with his newly released track 'It Can't Be Christmas', which landed fourth on the Christmas charts, followed by Blackpink’s Rose with 'Apt' featuring Bruno Mars at fifth. Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter made headlines by clinching the Christmas number one album title with her release 'Short N' Sweet' amid fierce competition from Michael Bublé and others.
The explosive success of 'Last Christmas' during this time of year resonates with the nostalgia of the holiday season, and its continual popularity serves as homage to the enduring influence of George Michael's creativity. With its arrival marking the holiday season yearly, it is no wonder why 'Last Christmas' continues to capture hearts and playlists alike.
