Wham!’s “Last Christmas” Surpasses Mariah Carey’s Holiday Hit on Billboard Global Charts
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The reign of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has finally been dethroned by another beloved holiday song on the global music charts. The iconic Christmas classic, which had held the top spot on the Billboard Global 200 chart for a record total of 19 weeks since December 2020, was surpassed by Wham!’s “Last Christmas.” This marks the first time another festive tune has claimed the No. 1 position since the chart’s inception in September 2020.
Billboard announced the exciting news on Monday, December 15, revealing that “Last Christmas” by Wham! had secured the coveted No. 1 slot on the Global 200 chart. The song, originally released in December 1984, has continued to captivate audiences worldwide and has become a staple during the holiday season. Andrew Ridgeley, one half of the duo Wham!, expressed his delight at the achievement, noting the song’s timeless appeal across generations.
While “Last Christmas” reached its highest peak on the Billboard Hot 100 and Holiday 100 charts, landing at the No. 2 spot, Mariah Carey’s festive anthem still holds strong on the U.S.-centric charts. Ridgeley acknowledged the enduring popularity of “Last Christmas,” paying tribute to the late George Michael, the song’s composer, who passed away in 2016. The Wham! member expressed gratitude to fans for embracing the song as a cherished part of their holiday celebrations.
The estate of George Michael also shared their joy at the continued success of “Last Christmas,” which has now reached a new peak on the Billboard Hot 100. The statement highlighted the song’s universal appeal and its ability to evoke the spirit of Christmas year after year. With the track resonating with both longtime fans and new listeners, its significance as a festive classic remains undiminished.
“Last Christmas” has become synonymous with the holiday season, achieving nine-times platinum certification in the United States. The enduring popularity of the song serves as a testament to its enduring charm and musical allure. As fans continue to embrace the festive tune, its climb to the top of the global charts represents a nostalgic journey through the magic of Christmas music.
In a year filled with challenges and uncertainties, the rise of “Last Christmas” to the No. 1 position on the Billboard Global 200 chart offers a glimmer of joy and nostalgia for music lovers worldwide. As the holiday season approaches, the enchanting melodies of Wham!’s timeless hit remind us of the enduring power of music to unite and uplift spirits during this festive time of year.
The friendly rivalry between Mariah Carey’s holiday classic and Wham!’s iconic tune adds an extra layer of excitement to the Christmas music landscape, as fans eagerly anticipate which song will claim the top spot in the coming weeks. With both tracks continuing to captivate audiences and spread festive cheer, the battle for holiday music supremacy only adds to the magic and joy of the season.
As we bask in the glow of twinkling lights and festive decorations, the sounds of “Last Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You” provide the perfect soundtrack to our holiday celebrations. Whether you’re a fan of Mariah Carey’s soulful vocals or Wham!’s nostalgic melodies, the joy of Christmas music unites us all and brings a sense of warmth and togetherness during this special time of year.
In conclusion, as we countdown to Christmas and embrace the magic of the holiday season, the global success of “Last Christmas” serves as a reminder of the timeless appeal of festive music and the enduring spirit of joy and celebration that it brings to listeners around the world. Let the melodious strains of these beloved Christmas classics fill your hearts with warmth and happiness as we ring in the most wonderful time of the year.