After 39 long years, Wham!’s iconic hit “Last Christmas” has officially been declared the UK’s Christmas number one. This festive classic triumphed over fierce competition from other beloved holiday songs, including Sam Ryder’s “You’re Christmas To Me,” Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl’s timeless duet, and Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season.” Even the combined forces of Ed Sheeran and Sir Elton John with their song “Merry Christmas” couldn’t dethrone Wham!.
“Last Christmas” by Wham! has made history as the song with the longest-ever journey to reach the UK Christmas number one position, according to the Official Charts Company. This record-breaking achievement solidifies the enduring popularity and timeless appeal of this 80s pop duo’s masterpiece. George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley can finally celebrate the well-deserved recognition that has eluded them for so long.
George Michael, the late singer-songwriter and one-half of Wham!, penned and produced “Last Christmas” with one goal in mind – to create a Christmas number one hit. It is clear that he succeeded beyond all expectations. Andrew Ridgeley expressed his awe and gratitude for being a part of this momentous occasion, stating, “He (Michael) happened to write what distills the essence of Christmas in audio form.” The magic lies in how this song resonates with people from all walks of life, capturing the spirit of the holiday season.
For George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, the journey to Christmas number one has been a long and arduous one. In 1984, their hopes were dashed when Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” claimed the top spot. Ridgeley reminisced about this disappointment, admitting that if not for the charity supergroup, Wham!’s “Last Christmas” would have secured the coveted position. However, the enduring popularity of their song has turned it into a perennial favorite, forever etched into the fabric of Christmas celebrations.
Throughout the years, securing a Christmas number one has been an ambition shared by both George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, as well as their dedicated fans. Ridgeley believes that achieving this milestone with “Last Christmas” will be the crowning glory for Wham!’s legacy. The song was always intended to be a holiday anthem, and its enduring popularity has fulfilled Michael’s lofty ambitions as a songwriter – even long after the band’s split in 1986. Ridgeley expressed his belief that fans will feel a real sense of achievement and pride knowing that their beloved song has clinched the top spot.
A Timeless Classic
Tragically, George Michael passed away on Christmas Day in 2016 at the age of 53, leaving behind an incredible musical legacy. “Last Christmas” has now become the UK’s third biggest song of all time, amassing a staggering total of 5.34 million chart units, according to the Official Charts Company. It continues to captivate audiences today, evidenced by its impressive streaming numbers. Over the past seven days alone, the song has been streamed a remarkable 13.3 million times, solidifying its status as the most-streamed Christmas number one in history during Christmas week.
The declaration of Wham!’s “Last Christmas” as the UK’s official Christmas number one is a cause for celebration. After nearly four decades, the song has finally claimed its rightful place at the top of the charts. This triumph not only honors the immense talent of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley but also immortalizes the spirit of Christmas in a song that continues to touch the hearts of millions. “Last Christmas” will forever be a testament to the magic and enduring appeal of festive music.
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