Wham!’s “Last Christmas” Claims Christmas Number One – 39 Years On!
Wham!’s iconic festive tune “Last Christmas” has finally snagged the Christmas number one spot – nearly four decades after its release. The 1984 classic has beaten modern stars like Sam Ryder, Mariah Carey, and Noah Kahn to top the charts this holiday season.
Record-Breaking Streams Fuel the Comeback
Although a Christmas staple for years, “Last Christmas” never hit number one—until now. UK fans have streamed the track an astonishing 13.3 million times during Christmas week, smashing all streaming records for the festive period. This surge shows the song’s timeless appeal and staying power in the digital age.
Andrew Ridgeley Pays Tribute to George Michael
Andrew Ridgeley, Wham!’s surviving member, told the BBC he was “marvellous and humbled” by the achievement. “Top of the pile is a great place to be,” he said. Reflecting on late bandmate George Michael, who died in 2016, Ridgeley added, “He’d be absolutely over the moon.” Michael always dreamed the song would one day hit number one at Christmas.
The Long Road to Festive Glory
Back in 1984, “Last Christmas” missed out on number one, narrowly losing to Band-Aid’s charity anthem “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”. Yet the song endured, becoming a beloved holiday anthem around the globe. This year’s chart-topping success proves some classics never fade.
